One of The World’s Largest Amphibious Assault Ships Begins Sea Trials

One of the largest amphibious assault ships in the world, China’s Sichuan, commenced sea trials on Friday.

The Type 076 amphibious assault ship was launched in December 2024 and is viewed as a major asset for the navy’s unmanned aerial vehicle operations due to its electromagnetic catapult launch system.

Described as the world’s first drone carrier, the vessel named after the southwestern Chinese province is an upgrade over the country’s first amphibious assault ship, the Type 075, which was launched in September 2019.

Sichuan’s sea trials will test its engine and power system, per Xinhua. This is a milestone for the People’s Liberation Army’s naval force, which is expected to take delivery of the strategic vessel by the end of 2026.

This news comes after China commissioned Fujian, its most advanced aircraft carrier and its first to have the electromagnetic catapult technology.

Sichuan has a full-load displacement of 50,000 tonnes and a bigger flight deck with a length of 260 m and a beam of 52 m.

The measurements make it bigger than the United States’ America-class and Japan’s Izumo-class helicopter carriers.

The massive size means it can accommodate more aircraft and launch them successfully.

Sichuan is also unique since it is the first amphibious assault ship to have a CATOBAR system, allowing it to host helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft.

The GJ-11 fixed-wing stealth UAV, used for precision strikes and aerial reconnaissance missions, is one of the drones deployed on the Sichuan, as it appears in the ship’s crest design.

Drone carriers are becoming a naval trend with a focus on UAVs.

South Korea also plans to scrap a proposed light aircraft carrier and build atleast 3, 30,000-tonne drone carriers. Iran also took delivery of its first drone carrier, Shahid Beheshti, in February.

Source: Maritime Shipping News