China’s Fourth Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship Achieves Combat Qualification In South China Sea

China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hubei has completed its full combat qualification assessment in the South China Sea, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said on Monday.

The assessment is an important step before the ship moves into combat-ready duty. It tested the ship and its crew through several military exercises, including anti-aircraft gunnery and underwater self-defence drills.

During one exercise, Hubei’s weapons locked onto and destroyed a target drone. The crew also had to respond to different situations while coordinating across the ship’s various departments.

The assessment included both planned exercises and unexpected challenges. According to the China Military Bugle, the exercise team sent scenarios to Hubei’s combat information centre through the ship’s command system. The crew had to respond within set time limits and follow established procedu-res.

As many as 100 individual test scenarios were given to the crew during several days of navigation.

What does the qualification mean?

A newly commissioned warship does not immediately become fully combat-ready. The ship and its crew first have to complete required training and pass assessments.

Chinese military affairs expert Wang Yunfei told the Global Times that the assessment checks whether the ship’s different departments have completed their training and whether the crew can operate together effectively.

Passing the assessment means Hubei’s departmental training and integrated exercises have met the required standards, Wang said. With the necessary equipment support, he said the ship has achieved combat readiness and can take on various missions.

Wang said Hubei is expected to enter combat-ready duty and carry out missions in the South China Sea. He also said amphibious assault ships can be used for activities involving islands and reefs, including patrols, combat-readiness operations and personnel delivery.

Hubei is China’s fourth Type 075

Hubei is the fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship to enter service with the PLA Navy, after Hainan, Guangxi and Anhui.

The ship carries hull number 34 and made its public debut in August 2025.

China is also developing the next-generation Type 076 amphibious assault ship. The first vessel of the class, Sichuan, is still undergoing sea trials.

The Type 075 is built to combine several amphibious functions on one ship. It has a full-length flight deck, hangar, vehicle storage areas and a well deck for launching landing craft.

The flight deck has several helicopter landing positions. The well deck can accommodate high-speed air-cushioned landing craft, which Chinese state media said can carry main battle tanks.

The vehicle deck can carry dozens of amphibious armoured vehicles, according to CCTV.

This allows the ships to transport troops, vehicles and equipment towards shore while also supporting helicopter operations.

More training ahead

Completing the combat qualification assessment does not mean Hubei’s training is finished.

Zhou Zijian, a crew member aboard Hubei, said the milestone was a new beginning for the crew. He was quoted by the China Military Bugle as saying they would continue using training opportunities to improve their combat skills.

With the assessment completed, Hubei is expected to move into combat-ready duty and conduct missions in the South China Sea, according to Wang. The ship’s crew will continue training as it develops its operational capabilities.

References: interestingengineering, globaltimes