China has begun sea trials of the Sichuan, a domestically built Type 076 amphibious assault ship, shortly after commissioning the Fujian carrier. The Sichuan displaces about 40,000 tons and combines carrier-like aviation capabilities with amphibious landing capacity. It is fitted with an electromagnetic catapult similar to the Fujian's, but it is not yet clear whether it can launch crewed fixed-wing fighters or only drones and STOVL/VTOL aircraft. Observers say such ships would be central to large-scale landing operations, though Taiwan's defenses could make such operations costly.
China Begins Sea Trials of Type 076 'Sichuan' — Advanced Amphibious Assault Ship Joins Rapid Naval Push
China has begun sea trials of the Sichuan, a domestically built Type 076 amphibious assault ship, shortly after commissioning the Fujian carrier. The Sichuan displaces about 40,000 tons and combines carrier-like aviation capabilities with amphibious landing capacity. It is fitted with an electromagnetic catapult similar to the Fujian's, but it is not yet clear whether it can launch crewed fixed-wing fighters or only drones and STOVL/VTOL aircraft. Observers say such ships would be central to large-scale landing operations, though Taiwan's defenses could make such operations costly.
03:34 PM, 11/14/2025Security
China launches sea trials of its most advanced amphibious assault ship
BANGKOK (AP) — China has started sea trials of the Sichuan, a domestically built Type 076 amphibious assault ship, just one week after formally commissioning its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. The ship set sail from Shanghai's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard as Beijing accelerates a wide-ranging naval modernization program.
Design and capabilities
The Sichuan is estimated to have a displacement of about 40,000 tons — roughly half the size of the Fujian carrier, which was commissioned on Nov. 7. The Type 076 blends elements of aircraft carriers and traditional amphibious assault ships, enabling it to deploy both aircraft and landing craft loaded with troops and vehicles.
Chinese state media and observers note the Sichuan is fitted with an electromagnetic catapult system similar to the one tested on the Fujian. That system could expand the ship's aviation options beyond helicopters and STOVL/VTOL aircraft, but officials have not confirmed whether the catapult will support crewed fixed-wing fighters or be limited to drones and lighter aircraft. Those details are likely to emerge during the sea trials.
Operational context and strategic implications
Amphibious assault ships generally trade heavier armor for greater speed and flexibility compared with large carriers. They would be important assets in any large-scale landing operation, including a potential invasion of Taiwan — a stated objective of Chinese leader Xi Jinping — but Taiwan's dense coastal missile defenses and other countermeasures would make such operations costly and complex.
China now fields more hulls overall than the U.S. Navy, but it still trails the United States in certain high-end capabilities, including the number of large carriers and specialized amphibious platforms. Beijing has pursued an ambitious shipbuilding program as part of Xi's goal to modernize the People's Liberation Army by 2035 and develop a "world-class" force by mid-century.
What to watch during the trials
Officials have not disclosed how long the Sichuan's sea trials will last. Analysts will be watching whether the ship demonstrates the ability to launch crewed fixed-wing aircraft, the performance of its electromagnetic launch system in an amphibious context, and how the vessel integrates aviation and landing operations.
Note: Technical specifications released so far are limited. Public reporting relies on state media, expert observation and imagery analysis.