[World] Greece agrees to sell Zubr-class landing craft to China

China's first Zubr-class hovercraft purchased from the Ukraine. (Internet Photo)

Greece has recently agreed to sell four Zubr-class air-cushioned landing craft to China, reports the Islamabad-based Asia Defence News.

Kleftos Priapos, spokesperson for the Hellenic Navy, confirmed this decision in an interview with a reporter from the Philippines. "As the Zubrs were all constructed in either Russia or Ukraine, the sale of these hovercraft does not violate any current NATO rules against arms transfers to China," said Priapos. The Greek naval spokesperson said that the sale of the hovercraft to China is perfectly legal and that Greece needs the money.

The Hellenic Navy operates four Zubr-class hovercraft purchased from Russia and Ukraine. Built as the largest hovercraft in the world, a Zubr-class vessel can carry up to three tanks and at least 300 troops over hundreds of miles of ocean. The hovercraft can also be used to lay mines. China too purchased four Zubr-class landing craft from Ukraine, each equipped with an AK-630 cannon, a Type 364 search radar, and the locally produced OFC-3 optical fire control device.

China has not given any official statement regarding the purchase of the four Zubr-class landing craft from Greece. The People's Liberation Army Navy's first Greek Zubr-class vessel is likely to be Zakynthos, with 1337 as its hull number. With an additional four hovercraft from Greece, China's ability to launch an amphibious landing against Taiwan and the disputed Diaoyutai (Diaoyu or Senkaku) islands will gradually become more feasible.

  ★ wantchinatimes