With the publication of new images on social media, various OSINT sources have begun to indicate that the new Type 076 amphibious assault ship of the Chinese Navy would be preparing to begin trials with embarked drones, which would allow it to expand its strike capabilities in support of landing troops. More specifically, the released material appears to show an unmanned system characterized by its ability to strike ground targets, although it is expected that this will not be the only drone to operate from the platform in the future.
In this regard, it should be recalled that the vessel in question has spent recent months undergoing various sea trials ahead of its incorporation into the Chinese fleets, with the addition of drones serving as an indicator of the progress achieved in this area. In detail, it is worth noting that the CNS-51 Sichuan had already successfully completed its first series of trials by mid-November, which lasted for a two-day period and concluded with the ship’s return to the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard.
On that occasion, according to the Chinese Navy itself: “(…) propulsion, power generation, and other key systems and equipment of the ship were evaluated, achieving the intended objectives. In the future, further trials will be carried out gradually in accordance with the overall equipment construction plan.” Reports at the time indicated that no tests were conducted with the novel electromagnetic catapults fitted to the flight deck, nor with helicopters or other types of unmanned aerial systems such as the GJ-11J models, which are also speculated to be potential assets for the ship.
In early December, it was also reported that the Sichuan completed a second series of sea trials, this time departing from the Jiangnan shipyard. Additionally, although there has been no official confirmation, it is expected that throughout this year the ship will continue to be involved in increasingly demanding trials, gradually integrating the various systems that will make up its future air component. According to current projections, the goal is to bring the vessel into service by 2027.
Finally, recalling some of the known characteristics of the amphibious assault ship in question, it should be noted that it has been conceived as a development of the Type 075 class but with greater dimensions and displacement, surpassing even the U.S. Navy’s America class or Japan’s Izumo class. Specifically, the Sichuan is reported to have a length of around 263 meters and a beam of 43 meters, exceeding the 232 meters in length and 32 meters in beam of the aforementioned Type 075 ships. It is also noteworthy that the vessel is configured as only the second in Chinese service to feature electromagnetic catapults, a capability shared solely with the aircraft carrier Fujian.
Another advantage of the design highlighted by available reports is its capacity to transport up to 1,000 marines, complemented by amphibious assault vehicles and supplies. This is a significant factor, considering that the design is viewed as one of the main elements Beijing would employ to enhance its troop deployment options in the event of potential conflicts, with Taiwan being the scenario that generates the greatest concern in the West, though not the only possible one in the Indo-Pacific.
Cover image: @China_Navy on X
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