China launches world's largest amphibious assault ship

China has launched the Type 076 Sichuan, a next-generation amphibious assault ship designed to enhance its navy’s power projection capabilities.

Reported by Xinhua News Agency, the vessel is the largest of its kind, boasting a full-load displacement exceeding 40,000 tons and a 260-meter flight deck capable of launching helicopters, drones, and light fixed-wing aircraft using electromagnetic catapult technology.

Named after Sichuan province and assigned hull number 51, the ship represents a significant leap forward in the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Military expert Zhang Junshe told the *Global Times* the Type 076 outmatches its predecessor, the Type 075, in range, weapon capacity, and overall capabilities.

Unidentified Chinese navy officials, quoted by Xinhua, stated the vessel would play “a key role in advancing the navy’s transformation and enhancing its combat capabilities in the far seas.” Though testing phases, including mooring, navigation, and equipment commissioning, are still pending, its potential has drawn international attention.

A report by the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) emphasized the ship’s advanced design, including its 13,500-square-meter flight deck—nearly three times the size of a U.S. football field—and electromagnetic catapult, which allows it to launch larger and heavier aircraft, including the Shenyang J-15 multirole fighter and various drones. The ship is also equipped to conduct air operations, amphibious landings, and serve as a joint command platform for broader forces.

The report noted that while the Type 076 won’t fundamentally shift the Indo-Pacific’s military balance, it provides China with enhanced flexibility in deploying combat power, particularly in regions like the South China Sea and the Western Pacific.

China’s naval fleet, the world’s largest by vessel count with 234 ships compared to the U.S. Navy’s 219, reflects a rapidly advancing maritime strategy. Despite this, the U.S. retains superiority in guided missile cruisers, destroyers, and submarine capabilities.

The Type 076 Sichuan’s introduction underscores China’s ambitions to modernize its navy and extend its operational reach, reinforcing its position as a major global maritime force.