Recent satellite imagery reveals China's rapid progress on constructing the Type 076 landing helicopter assault (LHA) ship. Upon completion, it will be the largest vessel of its type globally.
Rapid Advancements in Shipbuilding
China's defense industrial base is producing increasingly larger and more capable warships at an impressive rate. The latest satellite images of the Changxing Island Shipbuilding Base illustrate the swift development of the first Yulan-class LHA ship, known as the Type 076. This vessel marks a significant advancement in the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) ability to project power far from China's shores.
Size and Capabilities
The Type 076, once completed, will be the world's largest amphibious assault ship. Satellite imagery from July 4, 2024, indicates that its flight deck measures approximately 260 meters by 52 meters, totaling over 13,500 square meters—almost the size of three U.S. football fields. This makes it considerably larger than both the U.S. America-class LHA and the Japanese Izumo-class helicopter carriers (CVHM/DDH). It also surpasses its Chinese predecessor, the Type 075, in size.
Construction Details
The construction of the Type 076 is taking place in a newly completed dry dock on Changxing Island, finished in September 2023. The dry dock also houses three Type 054A guided-missile frigates under construction, showcasing the unparalleled shipbuilding capacity at Changxing Island.
Strategic Implications
While the Type 076 will not dramatically alter the military balance in the Indo-Pacific, it will enhance the PLA's options for deploying combat power in the Western Pacific, the South China Sea, and beyond.
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