China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel
The launch of the Type 076 amphibious assault vessel Sichuan. (Photo: via Chinese social media)
China has launched the first of its next-generation amphibious assault ships, the Type 076, at a shipyard in Shanghai.
The Sichuan has been independently developed, and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has described it as a “key asset” in the strategy of transforming the country’s long-range naval capabilities.
China already has the world’s largest naval force, but has now set itself the goal of increasing its force projection significantly beyond its shores, catching up with the US Navy (USN). The Sichuan is intended to be a significant plank in that strategy, and a marker by which the PLAN can steer the rapid development of its force projection capabilities.
Related Articles
How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities
Fully loaded, the Sichuan will displace more than 40,000 tons, which will make it one of the world’s largest amphibious assault ships. The PLAN said it will feature a twin-island superstructure and a full-length flight deck.
It will also use the electromagnetic catapult system, allowing it to carry fixed-wing aircraft as well as the more usual complement of helicopters and amphibious craft common to similar assault ships.
That catapult system will mean the aircraft it can carry will themselves be able to carry more fuel, and so extend the force projection of the vessel even further.
In terms of the growing naval arms race between China and the US, only one other vessel in the world uses the electromagnetic catapult system, and that is the USN’s newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford. Employing the system on the Sichuan will allow China to claim naval equality with the US, at least on that front.
However, China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, will also come equipped with the catapult system – and that vessel is already in sea trials.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.