He Yin

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Description

At the close of 2024, the first of China's next-generation Type 076 amphibious assault ships was launched at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. Named the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Sichuan with hull number 51, this milestone concluded the PLAN's major combat equipment development for the year.

China’s navy only began to develop and construct modern amphibious assault ships around 2017. While the first generation of Type 075 ships (an initial batch of four vessels) was still being rapidly constructed, work commenced on the second-generation Type 076 in less than six years. This demonstrated the Chinese navy's urgent need for large-scale amphibious operations equipment and the high priority placed on it. More significantly, compared to the Type 075, the Type 076 represents a qualitative leap in design concepts, technological sophistication, combat capabilities, and mission functionality. It will serve as a crucial component of the Chinese navy's future long-range strike and deterrence capabilities.

Publication Date

2-12-2026

Publisher

China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S Naval War College

City

Newport, Rhode Island

Keywords

China Maritime Studies Institute, CMSI, Type 076, amphibious assault, Sichuan

CMSI Translations #26: Sea Dragon Refits Its Armor: The Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship Ushers in a New Era

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