Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship

The Type 076 is a next-generation amphibious assault ship currently under construction for the People's Liberation Army Navy. It is uniquely designed to operate fixed-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) alongside helicopters, utilizing an electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear. This system aims to provide the PLAN with enhanced power projection and organic air support during expeditionary and amphibious operations.

The program's existence was first indicated in mid-2020 when China State Shipbuilding Corporation released design proposals detailing electromagnetic catapults and advanced flight deck systems for an amphibious vessel. Construction commenced at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai, with satellite imagery in 2024 revealing a massive hull featuring a wide flight deck and a catapult trench. The Type 076 represents a major strategic evolution for the PLA, bridging the gap between traditional helicopter carriers and full-sized aircraft carriers. It is expected to serve as a highly capable drone carrier, significantly enhancing China's multi-domain expeditionary capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.