China has unveiled its first amphibious assault ship, a milestone in enhancing its naval power. The Type 076 assault ship, featuring an electromagnetic catapult system, was launched on Friday at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai.
Named Sichuan after the southwestern province, the vessel has a displacement exceeding 40,000 tons and includes a dual-island superstructure and a full-length flight deck.
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According to state media Xinhua, the Sichuan is equipped to carry a range of military assets, such as helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and amphibious vehicles, positioning it as a critical component of China’s military strategy.
Its innovative dual-island design improves operational efficiency, particularly for aircraft operations and amphibious missions.
This launch coincides with China introducing its first icebreaker ship, the Tan Suo San Hao, designed for deep-sea scientific and archaeological research. These advancements highlight China’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military.
Additionally, reports indicate that China has successfully developed its first sixth-generation stealth fighter jet. Spotted over Chengdu city, the jet reportedly has a three-engine design and was seen alongside the fifth-generation J-20, signaling a leap forward in aerial combat technology.
