I am inclined to think these are very specialized craft suitable for ony a few roles. The chinese bought these rather than developed their own because the total number needed was small and it didn't justify a large domestic development program just to build a few.
I'm not so sure. In addition to their role as a transport of troops and armour, and then assaulting beaches with them, they are also designed to act as mine layers.
The first two of the four contracted Zubrs were to be built in the Ukraine. The 1st was deliverd to the PLAN in April of this year. Apparently the 2nd is now in trials.
The second two were to be built in China. We know one of those has been under coinstruction for some time and we may be seeing it completed soon and then in trials.
In the the recent past, with other new builds (Type 056, Type 052D) if the Chinese like the designs and are comfortable with them, then they double down on the production to meet whatever their ultimate goal is.
We know they intend at least four...and Tphuang is reporting info that says they may already be planning to build four in China instead of two, and that would make a total of six.
But I would not be surprised, given their needs along their coasts and in the SCS to see more...maybe even a total of eight or twelve of them.
They are listed with a full load range of near 500 km at 55 knots. But, unless there is a specific assault planned, they will be able to extend that range to about 1,100 km at or below their cruise speed of 30 knots. In that case, their use off of China's coast and particularly out of Hainan Island would make good sense. For example, they would have more than enough range to easily reach all the Parcel Islands, and even enough to reach their Spratley Island HQ at Fiery Reef.
If points in the Parcels or at Fiery Reef are established as fuel depots, then they begin to have reach and influence throughout the islands there.
