On August 1, the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) released a detailed report claiming that China’s large Type 076 amphibious assault ship, currently under construction, could be launched as early as the first half of next year. What surprised the U.S. think tank the most was that its tonnage not only greatly exceeds that of the U.S. “America” class amphibious assault ship and Japan’s “Izumo” class helicopter carrier, but it also features a unique piece of equipment—a catapult system for launching fixed-wing aircraft using electromagnetic technology.
It should be emphasized that the U.S. report has not been officially recognized by China and is full of speculation and conjecture, so it does not represent the true capabilities of the Chinese navy. However, the report’s tone reveals a sense of impotent rage when comparing the shipbuilding capabilities of the U.S. and China.
The report states that China’s defense industrial base continues to produce larger and stronger warships at an astonishing rate. New satellite images of the Changxing Island shipyard show that construction of the first Type 076 amphibious assault ship (dubbed the “Yulan” class) is progressing rapidly. This represents a substantial step in China’s ability to project power far from its shores. The CSIS report claims that China’s large Type 076 amphibious assault ship could be launched as early as the first half of next year.
According to the report, satellite images from July 4, 2024, show that the flight deck of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship under construction is approximately 260 meters long and 52 meters wide, with an area exceeding 13,500 square meters—almost equivalent to three American football fields. This makes it much larger than the U.S. “America” class amphibious assault ship and Japan’s “Izumo” class helicopter carrier, as well as significantly larger than China’s current Type 075 amphibious assault ship. Once completed, the Type 076 will become the world’s largest amphibious assault ship.
Like other amphibious assault ships, the Type 076 will be capable of carrying dozens of aircraft and drones, landing craft, and over 1,000 marines. However, the ship’s larger size allows for a bigger hangar deck to accommodate more aircraft and provides additional space for aircraft takeoff on its expansive flight deck. The CSIS analysis suggests that the Type 076 will become the world’s largest amphibious assault ship once completed.
Notably, size is just one of the Type 076’s advantages. The ship has undergone significant technological upgrades, placing it at the forefront of its class. Most notably, it features a catapult system for launching fixed-wing aircraft, a feature unique among amphibious assault ships. Previously, only standard aircraft carriers were equipped with catapults, while amphibious assault ships could only launch vertical/short takeoff and landing aircraft like the Harrier or F-35B. Although China has not yet equipped manned aircraft with this capability, unmanned vertical takeoff and landing aircraft have already been tested on the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong.
What worries the U.S. think tank even more is the possibility that the Type 076 may be equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system similar to that of the U.S. “Ford” class aircraft carriers—currently, only the U.S. and China have successfully deployed this advanced technology. Compared to traditional steam catapults, it provides greater power, allowing larger aircraft to carry heavier payloads.
The report notes that China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, currently undergoing sea trials, is equipped with three electromagnetic catapults. If a similar catapult is installed on the Type 076, it would indicate China’s confidence in its design. Satellite photos show that the reserved track for the Type 076 catapult is about 130 meters long, significantly longer than the Fujian’s (about 108 meters), suggesting the possibility of launching larger aircraft. However, the report also admits that more time is needed to determine the exact length and capability of the catapult on the Type 076 amphibious assault ship. The new Type 076 amphibious assault ship, featuring an electromagnetic catapult, has already entered block construction. The image shows an artist’s impression of the Type 076.
Additionally, satellite images reveal that the Type 076 will have aircraft elevators installed on both sides of the ship to lift aircraft from the internal hangar to the flight deck. Compared to the Type 075’s design, which includes a larger rear elevator and a smaller internal front elevator that can obstruct flight deck operations, this new configuration optimizes aircraft takeoff and landing.
The report suggests that these features “open the door” for the Type 076 to launch fixed-wing aircraft, which generally have greater range, speed, and payload capacity than helicopters. “At the very least, the ship can launch fixed-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicles, which are lighter and easier to catapult and land than manned aircraft.” The report boldly speculates that the Type 076’s extra-long catapult, wider flight deck, and optimized elevator design suggest it could be used to launch manned aircraft. This would make the Type 076 a new benchmark among amphibious assault ships worldwide, with capabilities between traditional aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.
Even if the Type 076 only carries drones, the air power it provides will still be formidable. The report states that China has an advanced and growing arsenal of drones, including the stealthy GJ-11 unmanned combat aerial vehicle, the reconnaissance drone WZ-7, and the armed CH-series drones. Analysts believe that earlier satellite photos have shown Chinese drones undergoing catapult trials, indicating that China is testing methods to adapt them for carrier-based operations.
In addition to its powerful air capabilities, the Type 076 also retains traditional amphibious assault capabilities. The ship is expected to have a well deck at the rear for amphibious vehicles, allowing for “ship-to-shore” operations with air-cushion landing craft. Thus, once in service, the Type 076 will become a multi-functional combat platform capable of air combat, amphibious landings, and providing joint command and control.
What makes the U.S. think tank even more envious and resentful is the demonstration of China’s formidable shipbuilding capabilities during the construction of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship. The report states, “Even for China’s prolific shipyards, the progress of this ship is extraordinary. Judging from the construction timeline of China’s Fujian aircraft carrier and Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the Type 076 may be launched in the first half of 2025.” The report also claims that three Type 054A missile frigates are being constructed simultaneously in the dry dock next to the Type 076, showcasing the shipyard’s “unparalleled shipbuilding capabilities.” The report concludes that while the Type 076 amphibious assault ship may not fundamentally alter the military balance in the Indo-Pacific region, it will provide China with more options for military operations, “whether in the Western Pacific, the South China Sea, or farther afield.”