Chinese navy commissions second LHD
The PLA Navy now has two Type 075 LHDs in service, both commissioned last year. (Photo: Chinese Internet)
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned a Type 075 LHD on 26 December 2021, the second ship of the class for the year.
Christened Guangxi with pennant number ‘32’, this second flat-top was commissioned at a closed ceremony at Zhoushan Naval Base. It has been assigned to the Eastern Theatre Navy (formerly East Sea Fleet), which focuses especially on operations against Taiwan. This fleet had hitherto received neither an aircraft carrier nor an LHD.
Displacing approximately 36,000t, Guangxi had been launched on 22 April 2020 and it commenced sea trials in December that year.
The first-of-class Type 075 Hainan
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
-
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.