Analysis: what we know about the Sichuan, China’s drone carrier hybrid

[rangerrebew]

Analysis: what we know about the Sichuan, China’s drone carrier hybrid
The first-in-class of the Type 076 amphibious assault ships undertook initial sea trials earlier in November.

Richard Thomas
November 24, 2025
 

The Sichuan is a unique drone carrier/amphibious assault ship hybrid. Credit: MND

China’s new Type 076 amphibious assault ships are comparable in scale to modern US designs

The lead ship in class, Sichuan, has completed initial trials, with an expected service entry of 2026

The warship is thought to have been designed to accommodate combat drones such as the GJ-11


Earlier in November 2025, China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan had completed initial sea trials, a significant landmark in a programme closely monitored by naval analysts.

https://www.naval-technology.com/news/analysis-what-we-know-about-the-sichuan-chinas-drone-carrier-hybrid/

[PeteS in CA]

Currently the USN has 2 America class and 7 Wasp class amphibious assault ships, with one more of the America class to be commissioned next year. Also, the Wasp class was preceded by the Tarawa class and Iwo Jima class amphibious assault ships, all retired, but giving the USN almost 65 years of operating such ships and operating the planes and helicopters they carried.

China's Sichuan is China's first amphibious assault ship to carry planes and be that large. IOW, China has a lot of learning curve and shipbuilding ahead to catch up to the USN's existing fleet and experience.