China launches giant amphibious assault ship: details

China has launched its first new-generation amphibious assault ship that can compete with the military power of the United States. This was reported by CNN, according to UNN.

Details

It is noted that the Type 076 amphibious assault ship was launched on Friday, December 27, during a ceremony at a shipyard in Shanghai.

The ship was named Sichuan, after a province in southwestern China. This ship is considered a key asset in the transformation of the fleet and strengthening its capabilities for long-range operations.

China, which already has the largest navy in the world, is building aircraft carriers and large warships at an impressive pace to project its military power far beyond its shores and catch up with the US military superiority, the publication writes.

With a gross displacement of more than 40,000 tons, the Type 076 is one of the largest amphibious ships in the world. It is equipped with two island superstructures and a full-length flight deck, PLAN noted.

The ship's most notable feature is its electromagnetic catapult, which allows it to launch fixed-wing aircraft, as well as helicopters and amphibious equipment. Thanks to this system, the ship will be able to launch larger and heavier aircraft that can carry more fuel and weapons, which extends their range and combat capabilities.

Today, only one other warship in the world, the USS Gerald R Ford, uses such a catapult system.

The new Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian, which is currently undergoing sea trials, is also equipped with an electromagnetic catapult.

American amphibious assault ships are equipped with F-35B fighters, which are capable of short takeoff and vertical landing. Currently, the Chinese Navy has no analogues of the F-35B, but it is likely to use the same fixed-wing aircraft as the Fujian aircraft carrier.

Expert Karl Schuster, a former US Navy captain, notes that the size of the Type 076 emphasizes China's ambitions.

This demonstrates the Chinese navy's commitment to expeditionary and amphibious operations, as well as their growing ability to perform these tasks

According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Type 076 can also be used as a drone platform. China has an advanced arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the GJ-11 (stealth combat drone), WZ-7 (reconnaissance drone), and CASC Rainbow series of strike UCAVs.

In addition, the CSIS report notes that the ship will have helicopters and landing craft capable of accommodating more than 1,000 marines. Due to its large size, the ship will be able to carry more cargo than the Chinese Type 075.

Recall

China has deployed the largest navy in three decades in regional waters off Taiwan. There were 47 military aircraft, 12 warships, and coast guard activity.