The Zubr-class LCAC is a Soviet-designed air-cushioned landing craft, known by Project 12322 / Project 1232.2 and NATO reporting name Pomornik, built for ship-to-shore amphibious assault. Sources describe it as the largest hovercraft ever built, with lift for tanks, armored vehicles, or up to 500 troops, and later Chinese-built Type 958 derivatives kept the design in production.
Naval News reported in 2020 that the Baltic Fleet's Zubr-class LCACs practiced amphibious landing in the Kaliningrad Region during a planned exercise, but the open-source record does not connect this imported page to a single named conflict.
The class is built to move armored vehicles and troops from ship to shore over sea states that would defeat many conventional landing craft. Chinese production of the Type 958 derivative has kept the design relevant long after the original Soviet program ended.
Timeline
MilitaryFactory says the first Zubr-class vessel entered service in 1988, marking the start of the class's operational career.
Sources: Zubr LCAC (Pomornik) (Project 1232.2) Air-Cushioned Landing Craft
Maritime India reports that China signed a contract with Ukraine for four Zubr-class hovercraft, starting the Chinese Type 958 line.
Sources: CHINA’S ZUBR CLASS HOVERCRAFTS – AN ASSESSMENT
Maritime India says the first two Chinese Zubr-class craft were handed over in 2013 and 2014 after construction tied to the Ukrainian export deal.
Sources: CHINA’S ZUBR CLASS HOVERCRAFTS – AN ASSESSMENT
Naval News reported that China was still building more giant Zubr-class hovercraft locally and had moved into series production.
Sources: China building more giant Zubr-class hovercraft
