Chinese shipbuilder planning advanced amphibious assault ship
- Plan to use advanced launch system on new landing helicopter deck – known as the Type 076 – would expand marines’ ability to strike targets on land and at sea
- ‘Mini aircraft carrier’ will be fitted with electromagnetic catapult launcher for helicopters and drones
A Chinese shipbuilder is planning to build a more powerful amphibious assault ship that would be able to carry more helicopters and drones and help the country’s marine corps to fight more effectively on the high seas.
The ship would have a similar design to the Type 075 landing helicopter deck, but it would be equipped with an electromagnetic catapult launch system of the type that is currently only found on the most advanced aircraft carriers.
News about the proposal of the new design, which shipbuilders and military enthusiasts have called the Type 076, has been circulating on military websites since the start of the month.
Military observers said the plans, from the China Shipbuilding Group, the main government contractor, have not yet been approved by the leadership and work on the new ships will take at least five years.
One naval commentator, Li Jie, said the ship would not be designed with a possible attack on Taiwan in mind, instead its “combat role would focus on the high seas when China is facing territorial challenges from rival claimants in the region”.
