China has begun sea trials of the Type 076 "Sichuan," the world’s first amphibious assault ship equipped with an electromagnetic catapult for launching drones. Analysts say the vessel could act as a light carrier for unmanned systems such as the GJ-11 strike drone and long-range WZ-7 reconnaissance drone, while also hosting new manned fighters. Sea trials will focus on the ship’s power and electrical systems following earlier catapult tests. The Sichuan expands Beijing’s options for power projection and contingency operations, including across the Taiwan Strait.
China’s Type 076 "Sichuan" Begins Sea Trials — World’s First Amphibious Drone Carrier
China has begun sea trials of the Type 076 "Sichuan," the world’s first amphibious assault ship equipped with an electromagnetic catapult for launching drones. Analysts say the vessel could act as a light carrier for unmanned systems such as the GJ-11 strike drone and long-range WZ-7 reconnaissance drone, while also hosting new manned fighters. Sea trials will focus on the ship’s power and electrical systems following earlier catapult tests. The Sichuan expands Beijing’s options for power projection and contingency operations, including across the Taiwan Strait.
11:16 PM, 11/14/2025Security
China’s Type 076 "Sichuan" Begins Sea Trials
China has started sea trials of the Type 076, named Sichuan — the world’s first amphibious assault ship outfitted with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system designed specifically to launch unmanned aircraft. The trials underscore Beijing’s rapid naval expansion and its focus on integrating unmanned systems into fleet operations.
What the Sichuan can carry
Analysts say the Sichuan could operate as a light aircraft carrier for large numbers of drones as well as new manned fighters. Potential unmanned aircraft include the stealth GJ-11 strike drone, reportedly in development for about a decade for deep-strike and intelligence missions (and possibly air-to-air and electronic warfare roles), and the jet-powered WZ-7 reconnaissance drone, which open-source reports suggest has long range (roughly 4,350 miles), an operational ceiling above 60,000 ft, and endurance of 10 hours or more.
Observers also expect the ship to be able to carry new manned platforms such as the tailless J-36 — photographed at the Lop Nur testing range around the Sichuan’s launch — and the J-35, a stealth fighter often compared to the U.S. F-35. Chinese and Western commentators suggest future variants of China’s fighters may increasingly reflect lessons learned from foreign designs.
Technology and advantages
The Sichuan’s electromagnetic launch capability (similar in concept to EMALS) sets it apart from conventional amphibious assault ships that rely on vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. An EM catapult can launch heavier aircraft with larger payloads and longer ranges than VTOL operations typically permit, expanding the ship’s mission flexibility.
Strategic implications
Chinese state media emphasize the ship’s role in amphibious landing operations — transporting troops, aircraft and equipment for expeditionary missions — but analysts say the Sichuan also has broader strategic roles in power projection, reconnaissance, and strike operations. One frequently cited scenario is its potential use in any contingency across the Taiwan Strait, where multi-role amphibious ships could support landings, air operations, and logistics.
China has intensified naval construction in recent years, including adapting commercial barges to offload personnel and armored vehicles — steps analysts say could reflect contingency planning. By hull count Beijing now exceeds the United States as the world’s largest navy, although the U.S. fleet still leads in total tonnage and number of large, nuclear-powered carriers.
Related shipbuilding developments
Last week China commissioned the Fujian, its third carrier, which introduced electromagnetic launch systems on a larger carrier hull. Work is already under way on the Type 004, widely reported to be China’s planned first nuclear-powered carrier. Nuclear propulsion would allow longer deployments compared with conventionally powered ships.
Trials and testing
State reports say the Sichuan was floated in December 2024 and underwent preliminary tests of its electromagnetic catapult before moving to broader sea trials. Current trials are focused on verifying the reliability and stability of the ship’s propulsion, power, electrical and integrated systems.
Attribution: Reporting based on Chinese state media, open-source imagery and defence analysts. Credit: X / @PLA_MilitaryUpd