China Launches New Amphibious Assault Ship With Aircraft Catapult

China’s new Type 076 class of amphibious assault ship reportedly incorporates an aircraft catapult not seen on other craft.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy formation, Type 075 amphibious assault ship, Hainan, is seen docked at China Merchants Wharf in Hong Kong on Nov. 21, 2024. Peter PARKS/AFP

The Chinese navy launched its newest amphibious assault ship on Dec. 27, presenting the first in a new class of warships that can launch fixed-wing aircraft similar to an aircraft carrier.

Called Sichuan, the new warship is the first of the Chinese navy’s Type 076 class of amphibious assault ships. The Chinese state-owned Xinhua news agency reported the new ship launched during a ceremony in Shanghai on Dec. 27.