Naval News reports that China has constructed a massive four-engine ekranoplane nicknamed the "Bohai Sea Monster." The aircraft was photographed for the first time in June 2025 at an undisclosed Chinese coastal facility. Defense analysts describe it as the largest ground-effect vehicle built anywhere in decades.

The Chinese craft features four jet engines mounted above its wings with downward-angled nozzles. It displays a T-tail configuration with twin vertical stabilizers and a flying boat-style hull painted in military grey. The War Zone confirmed the vehicle's wingspan appears similar to China's AG600 flying boat, suggesting substantial cargo capacity for rapid troop transport or island resupply missions.

China has not officially acknowledged the aircraft's existence. No manufacturer, designation, or operational timeline has been announced by Chinese authorities.

Strategic Importance for Pacific Operations

The Bohai Sea Monster represents a significant military capability for China's Pacific ambitions. Ekranoplanes fly just meters above water surfaces, staying below radar detection while traveling at aircraft speeds. Defense Mirror reports that defense experts believe the craft could rapidly cross the Taiwan Strait to deliver military personnel.

The aircraft's design allows it to transport troops and equipment to remote islands without requiring prepared runways or port facilities. This capability proves particularly valuable for China's extensive South China Sea operations, where traditional aircraft cannot reach many outposts. Militarnyi notes that gray military paint and configuration details point toward potential assault transport applications.

The timing coincides with increased Chinese military activities in disputed Pacific territories. Military analysts consider ekranoplanes ideal for supporting far-flung island garrisons while avoiding detection by conventional radar systems.

Competing American Development Program

The United States has responded with its own ambitious ekranoplane program through DARPA's Liberty Lifter initiative. Aurora Flight Sciences received selection in 2024 to develop a wing-in-ground-effect cargo aircraft similar in capacity to the C-17 Globemaster III transport plane.

The American design employs eight turboprop engines and aims to carry 90 tons of cargo over 6,500 nautical miles. DARPA states the Liberty Lifter will operate efficiently at altitudes up to 10,000 feet while maintaining ground-effect capabilities just above ocean surfaces. The program targets a first flight demonstration by 2028 or 2029.

Unlike the secretive Chinese program, American development proceeds transparently with congressional oversight and international partnerships. DARPA has allocated significant funding for maritime manufacturing techniques that could revolutionize military logistics across Pacific theater operations.

Both nations recognize that future Pacific conflicts will require runway-independent aircraft capable of supporting distributed maritime operations across vast ocean distances.

Further Reading

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