Based on information from Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China is reportedly preparing to receive its fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship. According to released images, the vessel arrived at the port of Zhanjiang on an undisclosed date after leaving the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard on January 8.
As part of its strategy to incorporate capital ships with power projection capabilities, the PLAN already operates three units of the Type 075 class. The first ship of the class, Hainan (31), was commissioned in April 2021. The second, Guangxi (32), entered service in December 2021, while the third was integrated into the East Sea Fleet in October 2022.
Due to their capabilities, the Type 075 LHD amphibious assault ships are among the many tools that will allow China’s navy to sustain and expand its presence in the region, particularly in disputed areas that frequently experience tensions due to various incidents. The Type 075 class is also considered a key asset for potential amphibious operations that China might conduct around or against Taiwan.
These ships feature a flight deck capable of operating helicopters (and likely unmanned aerial vehicles) and have an internal deck for deploying Type 726 hovercraft and amphibious assault vehicles. Their dimensions include a length of 250 meters, a beam of 30 meters, and a displacement of 40,000 tons, making them the third-largest amphibious assault ships in the world. Regarding transport capacity, the Type 075 can accommodate up to 800 marines, over 60 vehicles of various types, and an embarked rotary-wing air component of 28 aircraft, including utility and specialized helicopters.
Unofficial reports indicate that the PLAN plans to incorporate eight Type 075-class ships, a process likely to be completed before the end of the decade, thanks to China’s significant shipbuilding capacity. These helicopter carriers are also expected to be complemented by a new class of larger amphibious units, possibly similar to the designs operated by the U.S. Navy.
With this in mind, the fourth Type 075 LHD was launched in December 2023 at the Shanghai shipyard, followed by outfitting work, including the installation of sensors, remaining systems, and its flight deck. Months later, in February 2024, the ship was spotted undergoing sea trials, signaling that it was nearing entry into service. Despite limited information regarding this fourth Type 075 LHD, it was reported mid-last year to be sailing in an undisclosed location, undergoing further trials required before official commissioning.
Now, several months later, reports confirm that the vessel has arrived in Zhanjiang to be integrated into the Southern Fleet of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. In the same image, it is seen alongside the first amphibious assault ship, Hainan (31), and the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer He Fei (987). Although the ship’s official name has not yet been confirmed, some online sources suggest it may be named Hubei (34).
Image credits to their respective owners.
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