New images circulating on Chinese social media show what analysts describe as a potential military upgrade to China’s new ekranoplan, dubbed the “Bohai Sea Monster.”

When the “Bohai Sea Monster” first surfaced in June 2025, no official details were released on its design or capabilities. Naval News said the model appears to feature four large engines above a short wing, a high T-tail with twin vertical stabilizers, and a catamaran-style hull. Analysts say it could support rapid coastal transport, resupply, or amphibious operations.

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

Photos posted by X user “Dan The Man” on Sunday appear to show four external pylons mounted beneath the wings of the wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft.

The clearest images so far of the WIG craft prototype still under development. Notice the four pylons under the wings for carrying weapons externally. The new WIG is expected to boost china’s amphibious assault capability pic.twitter.com/9YYaJ9vjnx

— Dan The Man (@tong96083420) May 24, 2026

Defense Blog noted that the new imagery suggests the vehicle could potentially be used for combat operations.

“Pure transport and logistics aircraft do not typically require weapons hardpoints, and their appearance on the current prototype suggests China’s engineers are either exploring a multirole concept or developing the craft specifically with armed operations in mind,” the report states.

Ekranoplans, also known as WIG craft, skim just above the water’s surface. The Soviet Union led their development during the Cold War, producing massive designs such as the Caspian Sea Monster and Lun-class. 

The U.S. is also advancing WIG technology through Boston-based startup Regent Craft, which is developing two “seaglider” platforms. 

The Squire is an autonomous, uncrewed vehicle intended for cargo and logistics, while the larger Viceroy is a crewed passenger version that can carry up to 12 passengers at speeds of up to about 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph).

Built for speed, range, and versatility, Squire is @regentcraft‘s Seaglider drone. Through ongoing flight testing, we’re expanding its capabilities and gathering the data needed for the future of maritime defense. pic.twitter.com/9rAxHOMJd0

— REGENT (@regentcraft) May 8, 2026

Both are designed to operate entirely within the ground-effect zone, taking off from and landing on water.

For scale, just add crew. At 55 feet long, with a 65-foot wingspan, our Viceroy Seaglider prototype is giving the Bay a preview of what’s next for maritime transportation. pic.twitter.com/VGkwkjs1td

— REGENT (@regentcraft) March 27, 2026