The amphibious assault ship, “Sichuan Ship,” the first ship of the 076 class, was launched at the end of 2024, attracting attention. The Sichuan Ship is equipped with dual islands and electromagnetic catapult technology, enabling it to carry large unmanned aerial vehicles for amphibious operations. It is speculated that the 076 class has a full load displacement of over 40,000 tons, larger than the 075 class, indicating that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is moving towards larger warships in order to catch up with the United States.
According to a report from the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, satellite images show that the flight deck of the 076 class is 260 meters long and 52 meters wide, comparable to the largest active U.S. America-class amphibious assault ship. Compared to other amphibious assault ships, the 076 class has a wider internal space, capable of accommodating dozens of helicopters and drones, and carrying over 1,000 naval marines. The 076 class also features a stern well deck capable of carrying air-cushioned landing craft for traditional amphibious landing missions.
Initially, the CCP planned to build eight 075-class amphibious assault ships, but only constructed four before shifting to the 076 class, indicating that the CCP leadership has finally realized that amphibious operations are difficult to succeed in without air superiority. However, due to constraints on aviation engine and fighter development capabilities, the CCP cannot access short takeoff or vertical landing fighters, forcing them to use drones as a substitute, which is a reluctant choice.
Without fighter jets on board, the 076 is not able to transform into a light aircraft carrier like U.S. amphibious assault ships, attempting to confront the U.S. fleet and prevent U.S. reinforcements to Taiwan with just drones is unrealistic. Currently, the drones equipped by the CCP cannot match the speed of fighter jets, cannot evade air defense systems, and are prone to being shot down by fighter jets. They carry minimal ammunition and are inadequate for naval aerial combat and air strikes. Moreover, they are not designed as carrier-based aircraft, with larger wingspan and volume, unsuitable for operation and use on ships.
Even though the 076 carries drones, these lighter-weight drones still cannot perform short takeoffs or vertical landings, requiring catapults and recovery arresting cables. This is a compromise, but the CCP’s alternative propaganda has evaded the major defects, instead hyping up the 076 as the “first unmanned aerial vehicle mother ship,” which is misleading.
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