A new Chinese ekranoplan informally dubbed the “Bohai Sea Monster,” has appeared in photos shared on Chinese social media.
Naval News, which reviewed the images, said the aircraft is a new and previously unreported type. Its name, designation and manufacturer have not yet been disclosed.
China own Ekranoplan spotted. Soviet Ekranoplan in right (retired)
Whatever other Nations made or retired, China start making them with similar design (copy cat) to save R&D and development times. pic.twitter.com/YRugugq48t
— Vivek Singh (@VivekSi85847001) June 30, 2025
Ekranoplans, also known as wing-in-ground-effect craft, skim just above water surfaces, using ground effect to increase fuel efficiency and reduce radar detection. The Soviet Union led their development during the Cold War, producing massive designs such as the Caspian Sea Monster and Lun-class.
Analysts said this new platform represents the most significant advancement in ekranoplan design since the Cold War era.
No official details have been released about the vehicle’s design and capabilities. However, Naval News noted that the model features four large jet engines mounted above a short wing, a high T-tail with twin vertical stabilizers, and a catamaran-style hull.
Analysts said it could support rapid coastal transport, resupply missions or amphibious operations.
China has been expanding its amphibious aviation programs in recent years. In June, the country announced that its AG600 “Kunlong” amphibious aircraft officially entered mass production.
The Kunlong is engineered for rapid response and is capable of taking off and landing on both land and water, making it highly effective for combating forest fires and conducting emergency rescue operations.
China’s homegrown AG600 “Kunlong” amphibious aircraft, designed for firefighting and water rescue, is now in mass production after earning its certificate! pic.twitter.com/iFXL5zWhZ9
— Dominic Lee 李梓敬 (@dominictsz) June 16, 2025
