The People's Liberation Army navy gave a Ukraine-made Zubr-class hovercraft its debut during a recent drill, indicating the Chinese navy has achieved a stronger landing capability.

In the landing exercise carried out in mid-July by a squadron under the PLA navy's South Sea Fleet, the assault force sent tens of amphibious combat vehicles to approach the landing site. However, the vehicles were stopped by the defending force using "effective measures", China Central Television reported.

The assault force then dispatched several "new-type" hovercraft, which successfully broke the defense and made the landing, the State broadcaster said, noting this is the first time the new craft had taken part in a drill.