Large Jet-Powered Ekranoplan Spotted in China, Reviving Cold War-Era Technology

A large, jet-powered ekranoplan has recently been spotted in China, drawing comparisons to the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era ground-effect vehicles and signaling a possible new chapter in China’s maritime military development.

Informally dubbed the “Bohai Sea Monster,” the aircraft appeared in images circulated on Chinese social media, prompting speculation among defense analysts about its origins and intended role.

According to Naval News, the craft represents a previously unreported design and may be the most ambitious ekranoplan constructed anywhere in decades.

Ekranoplans also known as Wing-in-Ground Effect (WIG) vehicles are designed to fly just meters above water surfaces by exploiting aerodynamic lift generated in ground effect. This allows them to travel at high speeds while remaining beneath radar detection thresholds, making them ideal for stealthy coastal operations.

The newly observed Chinese model features a catamaran hull, high-mounted T-tail, and four jet engines positioned above its wings with downward-angled nozzles a configuration consistent with classic ground-effect craft. Its low-visibility gray paint scheme and military style features suggest it is intended for roles such as amphibious assault, troop transport, or coastal logistics, particularly within contested zones like the First Island Chain in the Western Pacific.

China is already producing the AVIC AG600 Kunlong, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, designed primarily for civilian roles such as firefighting and search and rescue, while the Bohai Sea Monster appears optimized for speed, stealth, and tactical mobility in military operations.

Although the Soviet Union once led the field with massive ekranoplans like the Lun-class, those platforms never achieved wide deployment. The emergence of this new Chinese craft could signal a revival of the concept, now potentially more viable due to modern technology and strategic needs.

The ekranoplan’s official designation, manufacturer, and capabilities remain unconfirmed as of now.