[Jane's Defence: China's Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship Will Center on Fixed-Wing Drones]
According to a report published on July 16, 2026, by Jane's Defence Weekly website in the UK: The latest released imagery of China's People's Liberation Army Navy's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the "Sichuan," most clearly indicates that the vessel will center its air wing around fixed-wing drones.
The footage, first broadcast by China Voice on July 10 and subsequently shared by multiple official media outlets, shows that the ship’s superstructure is largely completed and could be delivered to the navy within the next year.
Features visible in the footage include flight deck markings, electromagnetic catapults, and arresting gear located near the stern.
Previously, satellite imagery and photos taken during the ship’s launching and sea trials confirmed it is equipped with an electromagnetic launch system. However, the new details in this footage provide the strongest evidence yet that the vessel’s takeoff and landing systems are specifically designed for fixed-wing drones—such as the absence of markings related to rotary-wing aircraft operations, like the T-line (tail rotor clearance line) used to define safe hover zones.
The "Sichuan" is expected to become the world’s first amphibious assault ship simultaneously equipped with both electromagnetic catapults and arrested landing systems.
Estimated displacement ranges between 40,000 and 50,000 tons, positioning the vessel between traditional amphibious assault ships and light aircraft carriers. With a length of at least 250 meters and featuring a well deck capable of submersion, it is also expected to have the capability to carry landing forces.
Disclaimer: The above equipment data is sourced from reports on Jane's Defence Weekly website.
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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870853042744330/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.