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 and remained in trials through 2026, with Janes placing delivery in 2027. A GJ-21 uncrewed combat air vehicle mock-up was embarked from January 2026 and taken to sea the following month, and the ship took part in a South China Sea exercise in April 2026.