Dokdo vs Type 075
Dokdo vs Type 075 at a glance — displacement 19,500 vs 40,000 tons, length 199 vs 232 m, speed 23 vs 23 knots, crew 330 vs 800.
| Dokdo | Type 075 | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Amphibious vessel | Amphibious vessel |
| Type | Landing platform helicopter | Amphibious assault ship |
| Manufacturer | Hanjin Heavy Industries | Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding |
| Year introduced | 2007 | 2021 |
| Number built | 2 units | 4 units |
| Estimated unit price | $285 million | NA |
| Displacement | 19,500 tons | 40,000 tons |
| Maximum speed | 23.0 knots | 23.0 knots |
| Length | 199.0 m | 232.0 m |
| Beam | 31.0 m | 36.8 m |
| Crew | 330 | 800 |
| Dokdo | Type 075 | |
|---|---|---|
| Armament |
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| Propulsion | 4 SEMT Pielstick 16 PC2.5 STC marine diesel engine 24 MW (32,000 shp) | -- |
Detailed Comparison
The Type 075 (NATO: Yushen-class) and the Dokdo-class serve as the primary amphibious assault platforms for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), respectively. The Type 075 functions as a large-displacement Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), while the Dokdo is classified as a Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) intended for over-the-horizon assault and command roles.
Development and Design
The Type 075 displaces 40,000 tons, approximately double the Dokdo’s 19,500-ton full load. The Chinese vessel measures 232 meters in length compared to the South Korean vessel's 199 meters. The Type 075 features a full-length flight deck with seven flight spots and two elevators; the stern elevator is specifically sized for heavy-lift helicopters. The internal layout includes continuous space for vehicle decks and a floodable well deck sized for Type 726 air-cushioned landing craft.
In contrast, the Dokdo-class utilizes a urethane-coated deck to support Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) operations. The second ship, ROKS Marado, incorporates structural modifications to support V-22 Osprey operations. The Dokdo well deck accommodates Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and Amphibious Assault Vehicles. Crew requirements reflect the size disparity, with the Type 075 requiring 800 personnel against the Dokdo's 330.
Weapons and Sensors
Defensive armament on the Type 075 comprises two H/PJ-14 30mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and two HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launchers. The Dokdo-class configuration differs by hull. The lead ship, ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111), mounts two Goalkeeper CIWS and one RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launcher. ROKS Marado (LPH-6112) replaces these with Phalanx systems and integrates four K-VLS cells firing K-SAAM interceptors. Both classes prioritize point defense against aerial threats, relying on escort vessels for area denial.
Propulsion and Performance
The Dokdo-class is powered by four SEMT Pielstick 16 PC2.5 STC marine diesel engines generating 24 MW (32,000 shp), achieving a maximum speed of 23 knots. Specific propulsion data for the Type 075 is undisclosed, though development reports indicate the design was scaled up from the Type 071 due to propulsion requirements. The Dokdo-class supports a range of aviation assets including the UH-1H, UH-60P, and Gray Eagle STOL UAVs. The Type 075 air wing includes the Z-8, Z-9, Z-18, and Z-20 variants.
Deployment and Combat Record
Four Type 075 vessels have been completed since 2021. The lead ship, Hainan, reached initial operating capability in March 2022. The fleet is divided between the South Sea and East Sea Fleets, with operations including the Guangxi transiting the Ōsumi Strait in 2023. The ROKN operates two Dokdo-class vessels. ROKS Dokdo entered service in 2007 and participated in search and rescue efforts for the ROKS Cheonan. In November 2024, Dokdo conducted takeoff and landing tests with the Gray Eagle STOL UAV.
Conclusion
The Type 075 provides the PLAN with high-volume lift capacity and rotary-wing density comparable to US Navy LHDs, supporting large-scale amphibious projection. The Dokdo-class offers the ROKN a lighter, flexible platform focused on littoral operations and evolving aviation integration, including UAVs and potential VTOL assets, within a 19,500-ton displacement envelope.