On August 17, 2024, Japanese forces detected two Chinese warships—a Type 075 amphibious assault ship and a Type 052D destroyer—approximately 65 nautical miles northeast of Japan’s Miyako Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force swiftly initiated surveillance operations in response, as the Chinese vessels moved southeast between Miyako and Okinawa’s main island, heading toward the Pacific Ocean.
According to military analysts cited by South China Morning Post (SCMP), the re-emergence of the advanced Type 075 amphibious assault ship after a year of relative silence may be a strategic demonstration of China’s ability to penetrate potential U.S.-Japan naval blockades.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has operated 071-class landing ships since 2007. However, driven by internal demands for more capable amphibious assault vessels for large-scale operations, China developed the Type 075, with the lead ship launched in September 2019. A third vessel was commissioned in January 2021, marking a significant step in PLAN’s amphibious assault capabilities.
Though details remain classified, reports suggest that the Type 075 can deploy six advanced helicopters simultaneously and accommodate up to 30 rotary-wing aircraft, making it highly effective in amphibious assault operations.
Critics argue that the Type 075 vessel is technologically outdated despite its advanced capabilities. In response, China has begun developing the 076-class amphibious assault ship, designed to incorporate next-generation technology intended for China’s aircraft carriers, such as Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) and the capacity to deploy unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
The Type 076 represents China’s latest naval advancement. The lead ship, Sichuan, was launched in December 2024 and is expected to enter service within one to two years after sea trials. Unlike its predecessors, the 076 class will feature EMALS—similar to those on the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class supercarriers. Speculation suggests that China’s domestically developed fifth-generation stealth fighter, the FC-31, and the J-18 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft could operate from this new class of vessel.
China Unveils Next-Generation Amphibious Assault Ship: The “Drone Aircraft Carrier”
Chinese state media, including CCTV, reported on the 30th of last month that the Type 076 amphibious carrier, Sichuan, had been launched. Touted as the first amphibious assault ship with an electromagnetic catapult, it is also called the world’s first “drone aircraft carrier.”
The Sichuan (hull number 51), launched on the 27th, left the Shanghai shipyard for outfitting and sea trials the following day. This phase will include testing the ship’s power systems and installing and calibrating its electronic and weapon systems. Afterward, joint mooring tests and additional sea trials will take place.
The Sichuan is an independently developed Type 076 amphibious assault ship with a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons. Its innovative design includes a full-length flight deck atop the island superstructure, which, thanks to its cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult launch and arrestor recovery systems, can launch fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious vehicles.
Amphibious assault ships like the Type 076 are equipped with large flight decks capable of launching multiple helicopters simultaneously. They are often referred to as “Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs)” or “helicopter carriers,” the Type 076 goes further by integrating an electromagnetic catapult system, effectively transforming it into a light aircraft carrier that can also carry troops and vehicles for amphibious operations. The PLAN already operates Type 075 amphibious assault ships in an operational capacity.
The electromagnetic catapult system, which launches aircraft from the carrier’s flight deck, represents a significant technological leap. China’s current carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, utilize ski-jump ramps for aircraft launches, while the third carrier, Fujian, is still in trials and employs EMALS for faster launches. This advanced system is now incorporated into the Type 076, allowing for the rapid deployment of both fixed-wing aircraft and drones.
Following the reveal of the Type 076, the Chinese state-run Global Times reported that Western media outlets, including the Financial Times and Bloomberg, have highlighted China’s growing power projection capabilities, particularly in potential Taiwan conflict scenarios. While these reports acknowledge the PLAN’s expanding strength, they caution against interpreting China’s military modernization as solely aimed at aggression or invasion.
Experts agree that China’s naval enhancement is a long-term process bolstered by increased military presence in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. As China continues to close the technological gap in maritime capabilities, analysts predict its military challenge to U.S. dominance will become increasingly apparent.
Most Commented