CHINA LAUNCHES NEW AMPHIBIOUS Assault Ship, Strengthening Its Position as World’s Largest Navy
China has launched the first of its new line of amphibious assault ships and its largest warship yet, further solidifying its position as the world’s largest navy. The Sichuan, a type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, was officially put into the water at a launch and naming ceremony on Friday.
The 40,000-ton warship, with a full load displacement, boasts a dual-island superstructure and full-length flight deck, making it one of the world’s largest amphibious assault ships. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) stated that the Sichuan will play a key role in transforming and developing the Chinese navy and enhancing its combat capabilities in the far seas.
The Sichuan is capable of launching fighter jets and unmanned drones from an electromagnetic catapult, and is designed to carry ground troops in landing craft with air support. The ship also features “arrester technology” that allows fighter jets to land on its deck, similar to an aircraft carrier.
The Sichuan is the latest addition to China’s modernization efforts, which aim to enable the PLAN to operate globally and not be confined to waters near the Chinese mainland. China has been working on upgrading its forces for over a decade, with the launch of its first amphibious assault ship, the Hainan, in 2019.
The Sichuan will now undergo additional testing at sea. Its launch follows China’s efforts to upgrade its fleet, including the design of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which would enable its ships to deploy in distant waters without needing a base to refuel. The US Navy currently has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers deployed globally, including in the Asia-Pacific.
The launch of the Sichuan is a significant development in China’s naval modernization efforts, and highlights its commitment to expanding its global presence.