In early July 2025, images of a new Chinese ground-effect vehicle, dubbed the “Bohai Sea Monster,” surfaced on social media and specialized defense outlets. This ekranoplan, inspired by Soviet designs, is capable of flying just above the surface of the water, making it a potential game-changer for military operations. Experts suggest that its capabilities could significantly enhance China’s amphibious warfare and strategic mobility.
The concept of ekranoplans, vehicles that utilize the “ground effect” to stay close to the water’s surface, is not new. Originating in the Soviet Union, the technology was initially used for military and logistical purposes, including transporting anti-ship missiles. The “Bohai Sea Monster” is a modern adaptation of this technology, aimed at providing China with a new, fast, and stealthy mode of transportation, reports Armées.
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A Modern Adaptation of Soviet Technology
Ekranoplans are known for their unique ability to fly just above the water, harnessing the ground effect to maintain low altitude and high speed. This phenomenon minimizes aerodynamic drag, making the vehicle both fast and energy-efficient.
The “Bohai Sea Monster” follows in the footsteps of the Soviet-era “Caspian Sea Monster,” but with notable advancements in design. According to Naval News, the Chinese vehicle features a more compact hull, a T-tail configuration with vertical stabilizers, and a design resembling China’s amphibious AG600 aircraft, though its intended use is clearly military rather than rescue operations.
The most significant question surrounding this new vehicle is its propulsion. While initial images suggested jet engines, newer photographs indicate that it might be powered by turboprop engines, a more likely choice given the Soviet Union’s use of this technology in smaller ekranoplans. Some experts speculate that a hybrid propulsion system, combining electric and combustion engines, could also be a possibility.
Stealth and Speed: The Tactical Advantage
The primary advantage of the “Bohai Sea Monster” lies in its ability to operate just above the water’s surface, evading detection by radar while maintaining exceptional speed and maneuverability.
According to experts, this makes the vehicle ideal for conducting surprise attacks, transporting troops, and delivering military equipment with minimal risk of detection. Unlike conventional naval ships, which are vulnerable to mines and torpedoes, the ekranoplan could offer a safer alternative in hostile waters, such as the Taiwan Strait.
This stealth capability could be particularly useful in high-stakes regions like the Taiwan Strait, where rapid and covert military movements are critical. The ekranoplan could serve as a highly effective means of amphibious assault, allowing for quick deployment of forces without relying on traditional infrastructure like ports or airports, which are susceptible to enemy strikes. By operating independently of these assets, the vehicle could help reduce vulnerabilities during conflicts.
Complementing China’s Amphibious Forces
The “Bohai Sea Monster” does not only represent a new form of transport; it could also serve as a strategic complement to China’s existing amphibious landing ships. These massive vessels, designed to carry troops and heavy equipment, are vulnerable due to their size and predictability. In contrast, the ekranoplan offers greater flexibility and speed, making it an ideal asset for transporting support forces and lighter equipment into areas where landing ships would be at greater risk. According to experts, the vehicle could also play a role in rapid resupply missions for isolated military outposts, conduct search-and-rescue operations, or even assist in mine-sweeping activities.
While the “Bohai Sea Monster” has generated much speculation regarding its potential mass production, its current status remains uncertain. Some analysts believe it is a prototype intended to test new technological concepts, while others think it could be a demonstrator for more ambitious, larger models that align with China’s strategic needs over the coming decades. The role of the “Bohai Sea Monster” within China’s broader military strategy is yet to be fully realized, but its development marks an important step in advancing the nation’s military capabilities.
