China launches mass production of the world’s largest "water bomber"
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BEIJING — China has officially begun mass production of the AG600 “Kunlong”, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, signaling a major leap in the country’s aerospace ambitions and emergency response capabilities. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the AG600 is designed for maritime patrols, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and transport between remote islands.
With a wingspan of 38.8 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 60 tons, the AG600 can operate from both land and water, even in wave conditions up to 2 meters high2. It boasts a range of 4,500 kilometers and can carry 12 tons of water for firefighting missions or rescue up to 50 people at sea.
🚨 Strategic and Civil Uses
The aircraft’s ability to reach any point in the South China Sea within four hours makes it a strategic asset for China’s maritime operations. While officially designated for civil use, analysts note its potential dual-use role in military logistics and island supply missions.
The AG600 joins China’s trio of large domestically developed aircraft — alongside the Y-20 transport plane and C919 passenger jet — as part of Beijing’s push to reduce reliance on foreign aviation technology5.
🛠️ From Blueprint to Batch Production
The project began in 2014, with the first flight over land in 2017 and over water in 2020. After receiving type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in April 2025, the aircraft entered full-scale production in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province3.
Despite delays due to technological challenges and the pandemic, AVIC has already received 17 orders, including from the China Coast Guard and State Oceanic Administration.
Illustration Credit: By MS CoPilot
