Type 076-class (Yulan)

The Type 076 (NATO reporting name: Yulan class) is a Chinese amphibious assault ship that doubles as a drone carrier — the first ship of its kind in the world to be designed with an electromagnetic catapult. The lead ship, Sichuan, was launched at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai on 27 December 2024 and stunned observers with its size: at roughly 50,000 tons full load and around 260 meters, it approaches the displacement of the French carrier Charles de Gaulle and dwarfs its Type 075 predecessor.

The design combines a twin-island superstructure with a full-length flight deck featuring a CATOBAR arrangement: one electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear allow it to operate fixed-wing aircraft — expected to be primarily stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicles such as the GJ-21, alongside helicopters. A stern well dock preserves the classic amphibious assault role with landing craft and air-cushion vehicles. Defensive armament includes three Type 1130 close-in weapon systems and three HHQ-10 short-range missile launchers, while integrated electric propulsion with gas turbines provides the power margin for the catapult.

The Type 076 blurs the line between amphibious ship and light carrier: with a UCAV air wing it could deliver strike and reconnaissance capability without risking a full carrier group, and its launch signals China's intent to lead in unmanned carrier aviation. Sichuan began mooring and sea trials in 2025-2026 ahead of expected commissioning into the People's Liberation Army Navy.