Reports from Chinese social media indicate increasing speculation that China's new Type 076 amphibious warship, the SICHUAN - likely designed to function as a drone carrier and capable of deploying fixed-wing aircraft - has initiated testing of its advanced electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS).

The ship, which is currently being fitted out at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, was pictured on Chinese social media with its state-of-the-art launch system pointing towards the open waters of the Yangtze River, rather than facing inward towards the dock.

Technologically, the SICHUAN is a perfect example of Chinese naval modernization. With a displacement of over 40,000 tons, it features a hybrid propulsion system combining gas turbines and electric power. Its modular design allows for flexibility in deployment, accommodating helicopters, drones, and amphibious landing craft. The Type 076 is significantly larger than the Type 075 amphibious assault ships and boasts strike power comparable to the US Navy's latest amphibious assault ship.

Conceptually, the SICHUAN merges the traditional amphibious assault roles with carrier-like capabilities, with the ability to launch fixed-wing UAVs and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This makes the Type 076 a critical asset in contested waters within the first and second island chains, as well as “far sea” power projection deployments where expeditionary capabilities are required for protecting nation interests.

The photo was circulated capturing the shipyard and the vessel’s bridge well lit, indicating activity during the evening hours. The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration earlier issued a notice to mariners, designating a small rectangular no-entry zone, directly in front of the shipyard’s dock entrance. Given the size and location of the exclusion zone, as well as the repositioning of the vessel, it is speculated that the SICHUAN has been conducting sled tests of its carrier’s ElectroMagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) during the specified period.

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