China approves mass production for AG600, world’s largest amphibious aircraft

The AG600 "Kunlong" aircraft, which excels in superior low-altitude and low-speed performance, enabling it to achieve high efficiency in firefighting and rescue missions, received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The first mass-produced AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, in June 11, 2025. Photo by Xinhua via AFP

It has stable water takeoff and landing features, extensive mission versatility and advanced technology.

It is China’s first large civil special-purpose aircraft designed in compliance with civil aviation regulations.

It is a critical piece of aeronautical equipment developed to address the pressing demands of China’s national emergency rescue system and natural disaster prevention and control system, protecting people’s lives and property.

The AG600’s successful development has established a core technology system for large amphibious aircraft in China, enabling the country to independently develop such aircraft, according to the aircraft developer Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

The AG600 is one of three major domestically developed aircraft, alongside the Y-20 strategic transport plane and the C919 narrowbody airliner, both of which are currently in active service, according to South China Morning Post.

The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 60 tonnes and a practical range of 4,500 kilometers, with the capacity to carry up to 12 tonnes of water for firefighting missions.

The development of the AG600 involved hundreds of supporting enterprises and tens of thousands of components.