China is Building the World's Largest Amphibious Assault Ship
China is investing heavily in military capabilities, aiming to construct the world's largest amphibious assault ship, known as Type 076. Satellite images reveal that this new vessel will feature a 260-meter flight deck for launching drones and helicopters, and it may carry up to 1,000 marines along with amphibious landing craft.
The Type 076 represents a significant evolution in naval warfare, allowing China to project military power far from its shores. Currently under construction on Changxing Island, the ship is being built in a newly completed dry dock, indicating rapid progress and the capacity to build smaller vessels simultaneously.
While details remain classified, experts speculate that the Type 076 could include an electromagnetic launch system for fixed-wing aircraft, a first in naval construction. Analysts predict the ship may be launched in the first half of 2025, although further testing and certification will follow before its official induction into the navy.