China’s new amphibious carrier ‘Sichuan’ explained: Features, firepower and why India should care

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China has launched its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, marking a significant leap in its maritime power-projection capabilities. Built at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai and now undergoing sea trials, this vessel combines features of a traditional landing ship with those of a light aircraft carrier, enabling China to operate from the sea with an unprecedented level of flexibility and range.

The Sichuan has a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tonnes, making it one of the largest amphibious assault ships globally. It features a dual-island superstructure and a full-length flight deck.

Most importantly, it employs electromagnetic catapult and arrestor technologies -- systems that enable the launch and recovery of fixed-wing aircraft or heavy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a shorter deck.

While exact aircraft numbers are not publicly confirmed, its design is built to carry helicopters, UAVs and possibly light fighter or combat drones, effectively allowing the ship to function as a hybrid between an amphibious assault ship and a light carrier.

For India, the commissioning of Sichuan presents strategic implications on several fronts. First, the Indian Navy’s focus on maintaining dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) means that a Chinese vessel with extended reach into the “far seas” could alter naval balance, especially in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

Second, the ship’s capability to rapidly deploy troops, land-craft, helicopters and drones gives China enhanced amphibious and expeditionary warfare options -- an issue of concern for India’s island and littoral territories.

Third, the electromagnetic catapult capability signals China’s advancement in carrier technology, reducing the gap between China and other advanced navies; it challenges India’s own carrier and aviation strategy by raising the benchmark for naval aviation.

In short, the Sichuan is more than just another warship; it is a symbol of China’s evolving maritime posture. For India, keeping close watch on its operational deployment, the air wing it carries and the contexts in which it is used will be essential to preserving strategic stability in the region.