China Launches New Amphibious Assault Ship Capable of Fixed-Wing Aircraft Operations

On December 27, the Chinese navy launched its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan, during a ceremony in Shanghai. This advanced warship is designed to operate fixed-wing aircraft using an electromagnetic catapult system, a feature that differentiates it from other amphibious assault ships globally.

The Sichuan is the lead ship of the Type 076 class and marks a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities. With a displacement of approximately 40,000 tonnes, it is comparable in size to the U.S. Navy’s America-class Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ships. However, the Type 076 introduces cutting-edge technology that allows it to launch larger fixed-wing aircraft, unlike LHA-class ships that primarily operate helicopters or short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft like the F-35B.

The ship’s design features a wider flight deck, an electromagnetic catapult, and an unobstructed runway, which may enable it to launch both manned and unmanned fixed-wing aircraft. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), this positions the Type 076 in a unique category between a traditional amphibious assault ship and a full-fledged aircraft carrier. Even if limited to drones, the vessel’s air wing would significantly enhance its operational flexibility.

The Sichuan will now undergo equipment tests and sea trials before joining the Chinese navy’s active fleet.

China’s shipbuilding efforts have been marked by exceptional speed. The predecessor Type 075 amphibious assault ship entered service in 2021, with three vessels already operational. The development timeline for the Type 076 has been described as extraordinary, even by the standards of China’s prolific shipbuilding industry.

This rapid expansion aligns with China’s broader naval strategy. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, China surpassed the United States in 2020 to become the world’s largest naval force by the number of active warships. As of 2023, China’s battle force fleet includes more than 370 ships and submarines, compared to the U.S. Navy’s 297 active ships.

The Type 076’s capabilities could significantly enhance China’s ability to project power and respond to regional contingencies. Its ability to field larger fixed-wing aircraft provides greater flexibility in air-support missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations.

The launch of the Sichuan underscores China’s commitment to developing a modern and technologically advanced navy, further shifting the balance of maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.