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China’s Newest Amphibious Assault Ship: The Shandong and Its Drone Capabilities

A senior officer in China’s PLA Navy has announced that the navy’s newest and largest amphibious assault ship will be equipped to operate with drones, highlighting a shift towards utilizing advanced unmanned combat systems. Captain Chi Jianjun, a destroyer commander, stated in an interview with state news channel CCTV that drone technology is being integrated across the entire naval fleet, including destroyers, aircraft carriers, and the newly launched Type 076 and Type 075 vessels. He emphasized that uncrewed operations are becoming an essential aspect of modern warfare.

The Type 076, known as the Shandong, is China’s largest amphibious assault ship and features a catapult system. Its launch ceremony took place last month at CSSC Hudong Zhonghua, and it is expected to be operational soon.

Amphibious assault ship
Launch of the new Type 076 amphibious vessel, Sichuan, December 27.
Source: Chinese social networks

The Shandong has a flight deck measuring approximately 850 feet by 170 feet, making it larger than the US Navy’s America-class amphibious ships. It is designed with dual elevators for increased aircraft handling capacity and includes a well deck for launching and recovering landing craft.

The vessel was officially launched on December 27, and Chinese state media showcased detailed footage of its design. At the time of its launch, it was covered with a tarp, believed to be hiding an electromagnetic catapult. Due to its size and launch capabilities, Western analysts have speculated that the Shandong could serve as a carrier for aerial combat drones. Satellite images have previously revealed what appear to be full-scale mockups of China’s GJ-11 unmanned combat aircraft near the CSSC Hudong Zhonghua yard, which are typically used for testing and crew training for new carriers.

Chinese sources suggest that the Shandong could be operational by the end of 2025.

Январь, 16, 2025 49 0
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Author photo - Olga Nesvetailova
Freelancer
A creative freelancer with the ability to study source literature and create relevant material. The sea has always attracted me with its unbridledness, mystery, and a love of creativity helped me express my most interesting thoughts and reflections on paper, therefore, now I am doubly interested in studying the world of shipbuilding and writing useful materials for sailors.
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