China has launched the first of a new line of amphibious assault ships and the largest warship in history, strengthening what is already the world's largest navy.
The Type 076 new generation amphibious assault ship “Sichuan” was launched at a launching and naming ceremony on Friday.
The warship, with a fully loaded displacement of 40,000 tons, is among the largest amphibious assault ships in the world, and has a double-island superstructure and a full-length flight deck, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) said in a statement.
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The launching ceremony of China's first Type 076 new generation amphibious assault ship “Sichuan” will be held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a Shanghai subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, in Shanghai, China, on December 27, 2024. (Pu Haiyan/VCG via Getty Images)
The China Bugle, a news organization affiliated with the People's Liberation Army's Press Center, reported that the ship will play an important role in the transformation and development of the Chinese Navy, as well as strengthening its deep sea combat capabilities.
Sichuan can launch fighter jets and unmanned drones from electromagnetic catapults. Designed to transport ground forces in landing craft with air support.
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The uniquely developed new ship, named after China's southwestern Sichuan province, was launched at a launching and naming ceremony. (Pu Haiyan/VCG via Getty Images)
The ship will also be equipped with “arrestor technology” boasted by Chinese researchers, which will allow fighter jets to land on its deck, similar to aircraft carriers.
In 2019, China launched its first amphibious assault ship, the Type 075 ship Hainan.
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Chinese military personnel celebrate at a launching ceremony in Sichuan. (Pu Haiyan/VCG via Getty Images)
PLANmi has been working to modernize its force for more than a decade, with the aim of making it capable of operating around the world, rather than being limited to waters near mainland China. China has successfully launched a fighter jet equipped with new electromagnetic technology for the first time from its own aircraft carrier Fujian, which was launched two years ago.
The Sichuan is scheduled to undergo additional inspections at sea.
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China has the world's largest navy and is constantly trying to upgrade its fleet. Recently, researchers discovered that the country is working on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier design that could deploy ships to distant waters without requiring a base for refueling.
The U.S. Navy currently has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers deployed at strategic locations around the world, including the Asia-Pacific region.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
