Chinese Navy launches new amphibious assault ship

(CLO) China has just launched the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, marking a major step forward in its efforts to modernize its naval forces and compete with US military dominance.

The launching ceremony was held on December 27 at a shipyard in Shanghai, according to a statement from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The ship, named Sichuan after a province in southwestern China, is considered a "key asset" to help accelerate the transformation of the Chinese Navy and increase its long-range operational capabilities.

The Type 076 has a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, making it one of the largest amphibious ships in the world. The ship has a superstructure consisting of two islands and a flight deck that runs the length of the ship. Notably, the Type 076 is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, allowing the ship to carry fixed-wing aircraft, along with helicopters and landing equipment.

China's newly developed Type 076 amphibious assault ship makes its debut. Photo: Chinese Navy

The electromagnetic catapult system allows ships to launch larger, heavier aircraft, extending their range and the ship’s role as a combat platform. The planes can carry more fuel and weapons, increasing their attack capabilities. The US Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford is the only ship to use this electromagnetic catapult technology, a similarity between the two military superpowers.

The Type 076 will be able to carry multiple helicopters and landing craft, and can deploy more than 1,000 marines, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The ship's large size allows it to carry more equipment.

The size of the Type 076 reflects the PLA Navy's strong commitment to expeditionary and amphibious operations, and underscores the growing competition between the world's two largest naval powers, said military analyst Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain.

With the world's largest navy, China continues to build aircraft carriers and large warships at a rapid pace. China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, currently undergoing sea trials, is also equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system.

Ngoc Anh (according to PLAN, Xinhua, CNN, CSIS)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hai-quan-trung-quoc-ha-thuy-sieu-tau-do-bo-tan-cong-moi-post327947.html