World’s Largest Amphibious Assault Ship Under Construction In China

China is building the world’s largest amphibious assault ship, the Type 076 class, also known as the Yulan class in the West.

New images show significant progress at the Changxing Island Shipbuilding Base, near Shanghai, with two island superstructures installed on the ship’s deck.

The ship’s twin-island design, similar to British and Italian carriers, will streamline navigation and flight operations, enhancing air traffic management.

China aims to boost its naval airpower, focusing on drones and other air assets, signaling a shift in their naval strategy.

The flight deck of the Type 076 will be larger than that of U.S. America-class and Japanese Izumo-class amphibious ships, with an estimated size of 13,500 square meters.

Experts believe the ship will use advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), a cutting-edge technology only used by the U.S. and China.

This tech will allow the launch of larger fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs), significantly expanding China’s naval capabilities.

With room for dozens of helicopters, drones, landing craft, and over 1,000 marines, this ship will play a key role in China’s future power projection.