On November 16, 2025, China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the CNS Sichuan, successfully completed its maiden three-day sea trial, returning to its shipyard in Shanghai. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in deploying a unique and powerful new class of warship.
The table below summarizes the key details of the Sichuan and its recent sea trial:
Aspect Details
Ship Name & Hull Number CNS Sichuan (51)
Ship Type Type 076 amphibious assault ship
Key Feature Electromagnetic catapult and arrestor wires
Sea Trial Duration 3 days (mid-November 2025)
Sea Trial Focus Testing propulsion and electrical systems
Displacement More than 40,000 metric tons
Air Wing Fixed-wing aircraft (including drones) and helicopters
⚓ A Globally Unique Design
The Type 076 represents a novel design in modern naval forces, blending the capabilities of an amphibious assault ship with those of a light aircraft carrier.
Electromagnetic Capabilities: The Sichuan is the second Chinese warship, after the aircraft carrier CNS Fujian, to be equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and arrestor recovery system. This CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration allows it to launch and recover a wider variety of aircraft than traditional amphibious ships.
Focus on Drones: A standout feature of the design is its primary role in operating fixed-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The ship is expected to carry naval versions of the GJ-11 (also known as GJ-21), a stealthy, jet-powered combat drone.
Size and Layout: With a length of 252 meters and a beam of 45 meters, the Sichuan is among the largest amphibious assault ships in the world, roughly matching the size of the US Navy's America-class LHDs. It also features a dual-island superstructure, a first for a Chinese ship, which is designed to better facilitate aviation operations.
? Next Steps and Potential Impact
With the initial sea trial successfully completed, the Sichuan will now undergo a series of follow-up tests according to the established plans. Future trials will be more complex and are expected to include the crucial testing of the electromagnetic catapult with actual aircraft, such as helicopters and the GJ-11 drones.
Once commissioned, the Sichuan will significantly enhance the PLAN's capabilities, enabling it to support a diverse range of tasks from amphibious landings and airstrikes to airborne operations. The integration of stealth UCAVs will provide the fleet with a persistent, long-range intelligence, surveillance, and strike asset.
I hope this overview of the CNS Sichuan's progress is helpful. Are you interested in a more detailed comparison between the Type 076 and other amphibious assault ships, such as the US America class?
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