24-30 DB-3 bombers were sent as aid to China in June 1939, alongside other Soviet bombers such as the SB. The aircraft became particularly well-known during major bombing runs on the Japanese-occupied Wuhan Wangjiadun (王家墩) airfield in September and October 1939, reported destroying over 100 enemy aircraft. The DB-3As were likely used by Nationalist forces or Soviet volunteers until they were eventually replaced by newer, larger bombers like the B-24 from the USAAF.

Introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision" alongside the initial Chinese air tree, the DB-3A boasts a generous payload for its tier (up to 2.1 tons). Its frontal self-defence machine gun coverage is also substantial, forcing enemies to reconsider attacking head-on. However, be cautious of aircraft equipped with autocannons, as they can easily dismantle the DB-3A.