China Launches Largest Warship: Capable Of Launching Fighter Jets To Mumpuni Defense

The launch of the Chinese Navy's Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship. (Source: Xinhua)

JAKARTA - China launched a new amphibious assault ship that has the ability to launch fighter jets, diverse defenses to modern sensors last Friday.

The first warship of Type 076, named Sichuan, has so far been China's largest warship.

Aiming to improve naval combat capabilities in remote waters, the ship is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult that will allow fighter jets to glide directly from its deck, according to the Xinhua news agency, as quoted by the Daily Sabah December 30.

The ship is designed to launch ground troops on landing ships and provide them with air support.

Developed by Chinese researchers, the ship is also equipped with "retaining technology" that allows fighter jets to land on its deck.

Quoted from Naval News, the ship is equipped with a very strong defense, including three 24-round-HQ-10 missile launchers and three 11-barrel H/PJ-11 30mm CIWS with similar configurations found on Fujian's CV-18 aircraft carrier. In addition, the ship installed four 24-round decoy launchers of Type 726 series 24 near the stern and the center of the ship.

For sensor matters, this ship has a dual-band AESA radar on an integrated pole on the platform, similar to the one used by the next generation of 054B Type frigates. The second pole in the back superstructure carries further ESM sensors and communication equipment.

The Indonesian People's Liberation Army (PLAN) has been trying to modernize its troops for more than a decade, with the aim of being able to operate globally without being restricted in waters near mainland China.

According to the Global Times, Chinese military expert Song Zhongping compared Sichuan with a "light carrier".

After launch, the new ship plans to undergo further testing, including marine trials.