CHINA-MILITARY: ZUBR HOVERCRAFT
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Among photographs of various ships being built in Chinese shipyards that have recently surfaced online, are two hovercrafts resembling the Ukrainian Zubr-class air-cushioned landing craft. China's official Global Times reported that one of them has the serial number 3352, a number which would have been stamped only once the craft has been commissioned. Global Times additionally disclosed that China plans a fleet of four such Zubr hovercraft. The basic construction of China's first home-built Zubr has been completed and arrival of the second imported Zubr is likely soon. Once all four are operational, the PLA's marine corps will be able to transport supplies and replacement troops to island garrisons as well as provide them with military support. An earlier report in the Canada-based Kanwa Defense Review, assessed that as soon as the PLA is equipped with the four air cushioned landing craft, it will give the country an edge on other claimants in the South China Sea as well as China's dispute with Japan over the Diaoyutai islands (Diaoyu to China, Senkaku to Japan).
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