China's newly-developed Type 076 amphibious assault ship is set to outperform the previous Type 075 class by enabling amphibious operations over greater distances and in more multidimensional ways, marking a significant leap in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's capabilities, said a senior military expert.
Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, was launched in Shanghai on Friday. Named after southwest China's Sichuan Province, the independently-developed new vessel was put into the water at a launch and naming ceremony. It was given the hull number 51.
With a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tonnes, the ship features innovative electromagnetic catapult and arrestor technologies, enabling it to carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious equipment.
Military expert Du Wenlong has called the Sichuan amphibious assault ship a "pioneer" for the development of the Navy's future carrier-based weapons systems.
"Overall, both the displacement and external dimensions have seen significant improvements, which means that the number of carrier-based aircraft and the variety of models will increase noticeably. Additionally, due to its larger size, the ship can carry more heavy equipment, such as hovercraft and other amphibious vessels, which will significantly enhance its capacity for landing operations and troop deployment. This means the ship will be capable of executing amphibious operations at greater distances and in a more multidimensional manner. At the same time, the increased number and variety of carrier-based aircraft will also play a pioneering role in the future development of our Navy's carrier-based weaponry," Du said.
Following its launch, the ship will undergo a series of planned tests, including equipment commissioning, mooring tests, and sea trials.
The Navy had previously developed the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, with three vessels -- Hainan, Guangxi, and Anhui -- already in service.
China's Type 076 assault ship enhances Navy's multidimensional capabilities: expert
Russian helicopter manufacturers are looking to take their partnerships with Chinese firms to new heights at the 10th China-Russia Expo, which opened in Harbin of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Sunday.
The expo highlights future industries including intelligent equipment, digital security, green building materials, new energy storage and other key fields.
As the largest comprehensive exchange platform between the two countries, Russia's leading helicopter makers are seeing fresh opportunities to team up with Chinese machinery firms, seeking reciprocal partnerships that draw on the strengths of both sides.
Sergei Suchilin, Head of Life Cycle Support at Russian Helicopters, part of the state-owned high-tech conglomerate Rostec, joined the event to present their best products.
"The first one is [Mil] Mi-17, the most common, the most popular model all over the world. It has a lot of different modification and can be used in very many variants of exploitation. First of all, it's for transportation for personnel and cargoes, also it can be used on search and rescue operations," said Suchilin.
Beyond showcasing, Suchilin was particularly keen to connect with Chinese exhibitors and explore potential cooperation, hoping to tap into their manufacturing edge.
"Machines and equipment, I think, it is more interesting -- like a big producing plant for us, and China is famous for its machine and equipment. This field of economics is developing very well nowadays in China," said the Russian exhibitor.
Dozens of meters away from their booth, a variety of aero-engine models for passenger planes, cargo drones and helicopters were on display in the Chinese exhibition zone, covering a comprehensive industrial chain, which is especially appealing for Suchilin.
"It's our first visit and it is really interesting for us, because there are a lot of new developing industries in China and it is very interesting to have a look, and maybe we may have some cooperation in the future, to know the projects of local producers," he said.
The enthusiasm for collaboration is mutual. Zhang Yuliang of Xinghuo Machine Tool in Hebei Province expressed strong confidence in the Russian market, thanks to the high reliability and cost performance of his products.
"We have full confidence in the Russian market. Since 2022, the share of our products exported to Russia has risen from 10 percent to 50 percent. Chinese products boast high-cost performance and stable output. We will keep expanding production capacity to meet the needs of Russian clients," he said.
Russian helicopter makers eye collaboration with Chinese firms at China-Russia Expo
