China is expanding its fleet of Project 12322 Zubr-class air-cushion landing craft. This development may serve as an indirect indicator of increased readiness for a potential invasion of Taiwan. Previously, it was known that China had built two locally modified versions, designated Type 728. Their number has now reportedly increased to five, and possibly more.
According to Naval News, China could realistically operate a fleet of 10–12 such vessels and expand production further if required. At the same time, the publication does not disclose the sources behind its assessment of increased Chinese output.
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It is worth recalling that the supply of Project 12322 Zubr landing craft to China was one of Ukraine's largest naval export contracts, valued at approximately $320 million at the time. Work on the agreement began in 2008.
The deal covered the delivery of four vessels of this class. In practice, it involved a deep modernization of the original design, resulting in the Project 958 Bizon variant. Under the contract, two vessels were built in Ukraine, while the remaining two were constructed in China.
China received the first landing craft in 2013. By 2021, reports indicated that the contract had been completed, with Ukrainian specialists traveling to China to conduct state trials of the final vessel.
However, China did not stop at four units. By 2023, it became known that Beijing had established domestic production of its own version of the Soviet-designed Project 12322 Zubr craft. At that time, at least two additional vessels had been built, increasing the total fleet to six.
The Chinese variant features several modifications, including a new radar system, an improved communications mast, and additional rescue equipment.
Previously, Defense Express reported that Taiwan is being advised to follow Ukraine's example by deploying swarms of maritime drones to counter China's naval forces.
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