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
