Based on information released by various OSINT sources, China’s new Type 076 “drone carrier” of the Chinese Navy is believed to have completed its second sea trial at an unspecified location in the Pacific. The development, reported in recent hours, marks another milestone in the Asian Giant’s strategy to expand its maritime power-projection capabilities through larger, more technologically advanced amphibious platforms.
The Sichuan: a technological leap
The lead ship of this new class of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), known as Sichuan, is emerging as one of the most significant naval developments of the Asian Giant in recent years. Designed as an evolution of the current Type 075 amphibious assault ships—four of which are already in service, with plans to build several more—the Type 076 features greater displacement and enlarged dimensions. According to specialized reports, the Sichuan reaches 263 meters in length and 43 meters in beam, figures that surpass not only the Type 075s but even the U.S. Navy’s America-class LHDs.
According to the information gathered, the vessel recently departed from the Jiangnan shipyard to carry out its second phase of sea trials, after completing its first experimental navigation between November 13 and 16 in waters north of Shanghai. Although conceived primarily as an amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrier, several sources indicate that it will also operate unmanned aerial systems, which would explain many of its distinctive characteristics.
China’s first LHD equipped with electromagnetic catapults
The feature that has attracted the most attention is the incorporation of an electromagnetic catapult system on its flight deck, making the Sichuan the second ship built for the Chinese Navy to include this technology, the first being the new carrier Fujian, recently commissioned.
This capability suggests that the Chinese Navy’s plans for its new LHD (Landing Helicopter Deck) go beyond serving merely as a platform for launching and deploying helicopters and amphibious vehicles. It may also operate some of the new, more advanced fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles currently in development. Unconfirmed reports mention that the ship could deploy in the future the new GJ-11J drone, a carrier-capable variant of the original GJ-11.
Extensive trials through 2026 and projected entry into service in 2027
In line with standard procedures, the Sichuan is expected to continue a lengthy testing campaign throughout 2025 and 2026, including trials with both manned and unmanned aircraft. These evaluations will be essential to validate the performance of the electromagnetic catapults and ensure proper integration of the ship’s various systems.
If timelines are maintained—as seen in other recent Chinese naval programs—the incorporation of the first Type 076 into the People’s Liberation Army Navy could take place starting in 2027, depending on the progress of testing and the official construction schedule.
*Cover image credits to whom it may concern.
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