PLA warship Sichuan: A multifaceted combat platform for intelligent warfare

China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, could enable stealth drones such as the GJ-11 to be catapulted in rapid succession, potentially making drone-swarm operations an ace capability of the new vessel, military expert Zhang Junshe said, as cited by China Media Group (CMG).

Zhang said that the ship's electromagnetic catapult is powerful enough to launch 30-tonne-class aircraft such as the J-35 stealth fighter and the KJ-600 fixed-wing early-warning aircraft. "The Sichuan will function as a small aircraft carrier at sea. It is not only a replica of a traditional carrier but could also serve as drone carrier, suited for intelligent warfare and capable of performing diverse combat missions," he said.

Launched in December 2024 with hull number 51, the Sichuan is equipped with electromagnetic catapult and arresting technologies and can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment.

As the world's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped amphibious assault ship, the vessel enables higher sortie rates and faster takeoff speeds, significantly boosting the ship's air-superiority and strike capabilities.

With a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tonnes, a dual-island design and a full-length flight deck, the Sichuan ranks among the world's leading amphibious assault ships. A larger displacement also translates into longer range and the ability to carry more advanced equipment, CMG reported.

On November 16, the Sichuan successfully completed its maiden sea trial, which tested and verified the reliability and stability of its power, electrical and other systems. The trial met expected goals, and follow-up tests will proceed according to the overall construction schedule.