China’s Dangerous New Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship May Launch Drones

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

At its essence, the Type 076, also dubbed the Yulan class by the U.S. military, represents a significant leap in the evolution of amphibious assault ships, particularly in terms of size and versatility. The Type 076 boasts dimensions that place it strategically between China’s existing largest amphibious warship, the Type 075, and its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian. The most striking attribute of the Type 076, as revealed by satellite imagery, is its width. This expanded beam extends the flight deck considerably compared to its predecessors, affording it an expansive operational platform likely conducive to a variety of air-wing configurations, including the deployment of unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) and fixed-wing drones.

This ship is under construction at the Changxing Island shipyard in Shanghai, a facility linked with the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Hudong-Zhonghua subsidiary. This yard, strategically positioned adjacent to the Jiangnan shipyard, underscores the integration of China’s naval industrial capabilities, as the latter was the birthplace of the carrier Fujian.

From the available data, including recent satellite imagery analyzed from Planet Labs, the Type 076 measures approximately 263 meters in length and 43 meters in width. This size not only surpasses the Type 075 but also implies a displacement estimated between 35,000 and 40,000 tons when fully loaded. This places it in a similar size bracket to the U.S. Navy’s USS America, although the Type 076 is notably wider.

Emerging images suggest that the flight deck of the Type 076 will maintain a straight, squared-off configuration, possibly with significant adaptations to accommodate advanced aerial technologies. Notably, speculation around the ship’s design suggests the incorporation of electromagnetic catapults and advanced arresting gear, optimized for a drone-centric air wing. This feature would represent a substantial evolution in amphibious assault ship capabilities, extending operational flexibility and power projection.

Furthermore, the potential for integrating fast jets or lighter manned fixed-wing aircraft, though currently unconfirmed, remains a tantalizing possibility that would dramatically expand the operational scope of the Type 076. The strategic implications of such capabilities cannot be overstated, particularly in terms of maritime strike missions and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

The strategic vision behind the Type 076 likely encompasses a multi-tiered approach to naval aviation, enabling the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to enhance its fleet’s operational flexibility. The potential integration of UCAVs like the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, as suggested by demonstrations at the Zhuhai Airshow, indicates a forward-leaning posture in naval drone warfare, potentially enhancing the PLAN’s capacity to project power and conduct varied maritime operations, including both combat and humanitarian missions.

In conclusion, the Type 076 is shaping up as a formidable asset in China’s naval expansion, reflecting broader trends in naval warfare that prioritize flexibility, advanced technology, and enhanced power projection capabilities. This ship class could well serve as a pivotal platform for future naval operations, marking a significant step in the evolution of amphibious warfare ships.