China Maritime Report No. 23: The Type 075 LHD: Development, Missions, and Capabilities

Authors

Conor M. Kennedy
Daniel Caldwell

Files

Description

When the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned its first Type 075 class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) in April 2021, it represented an important advance in power projection capability for China’s maritime forces. For the first time, the PLAN had an amphibious warship capable of hosting significant rotary wing forces while acting as the flagship for an amphibious task force. Now with three Type 075 class ships either in or soon to be in service, the PLAN has expanded its amphibious capability even further. The Type 075’s dedicated aviation support capability, ability to conduct wet well operations, and expanded command and control and medical facilities reflect capabilities that previously did not exist within the PLAN amphibious fleet. With the Type 075 LHD, the PLAN clearly intends to bolster its ability to project power from the sea in order to protect China’s overseas interests, but will require time for amphibious task forces to become fully proficient.

Publication Date

October, 2022

Publisher

China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S Naval War College

City

Newport, Rhode Island

Keywords

China, China Maritime Studies Institute, CMSI, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, LHD, Landing Helicopter Dock, Amphibious, Maritime

Recommended Citation

Kennedy, Conor M. and Caldwell, Daniel, "China Maritime Report No. 23: The Type 075 LHD: Development, Missions, and Capabilities" (2022). CMSI China Maritime Reports. 23.
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-maritime-reports/23