Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship “Sichuan” (四川舰) – Key Facts & Strategic Implications:
Launch & Builder : Launched 27 Dec 2024 at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, Shanghai; hull number 51
Size & Propulsion : 40 000–50 000 t full-load; dual-island superstructure; hybrid gas-turbine/electric drive
Revolutionary Feature : World’s first amphibious assault ship with an electromagnetic catapult & arrestor system (CATOBAR)
Aircraft Capacity : 20+ fixed-wing fighters / AEW aircraft / large drones (e.g., GJ-11 stealth UCAV, WZ-7, tailless J-36 concept)
Multimission Roles : 1) Amphibious assault (LCAC & LCU well-deck)
2) Quasi-light aircraft carrier
3) Drone mothership
4) Humanitarian / disaster relief
Operational Focus : “Far-sea” expeditionary operations; air-defense & strike support for amphibious forces; power projection beyond the second island chain
Strategic Significance : – Three-dimensional amphibious assaults (UAV/helicopter strikes + surface landings)
– Over-the-horizon precision strikes
– Anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) support
Geopolitical Impact : USeless. & Indo-Pacific allies reassessing Taiwan-assault scenarios and power-projection balance; seen as a force multiplier for China’s contested-water ambitions.
