China’s New Type 076 ‘Drone Carrier’ Speeds Through Second Sea Trial, Sharpening PLA’s Amphibious Edge

China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, widely described as the world’s first true “drone carrier”, has reportedly completed its second sea trial, signalling rapid progress toward operational deployment at a moment when tensions surrounding Taiwan are intensifying, particularly between Beijing and Tokyo.

A navigation warning issued by the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration last week indicated that a large vessel would depart the Hudong–Zhonghua shipyard on Friday (November 28, 2025).

Why do experts believe the notice was for Type 076 vessel?

Though the notice did not name the ship, analysts widely believe it referred to the Sichuan, the inaugural Type 076-class vessel. Photographs circulating on Chinese social media the same day showed a massive flat-deck warship at sea, reinforcing that assessment.

If confirmed, this would mark the ship’s second sea trial in just two weeks. Its first trial, lasting three daysm focused on evaluating propulsion reliability and the stability of its oversized power systems.

Such a compressed testing schedule suggests the PLA Navy (PLAN) is pushing hard to commission the Sichuan by the end of next year, roughly two years after the ship’s launch in December.

What are the Type 076 vessel striking features?

The Type 076’s defining feature is its electromagnetic catapult system, technology previously reserved for advanced aircraft carriers.

This allows the ship to launch heavier, faster, and more sophisticated uncrewed aircraft at far shorter intervals. The system mirrors the cutting-edge electromagnetic launch tech installed on China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, commissioned in early November.

What are Type 076 capabilities?

The Type 076 is designed to deploy a family of unmanned combat aircraft, most notably the GJ-11 stealth flying-wing UCAV, capable of precision strike missions and deep reconnaissance.

It is also expected to embark J-35 stealth fighters, the KJ-600 airborne early-warning aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious vehicles.

With a displacement exceeding 40,000 tonnes and a full-length flight deck with dual islands, the ship represents a major leap in PLA amphibious and air-sea integration capabilities.

How does Type 076 redefine China’s amphibious warfare?

Military analyst Wei Dongxu noted on state broadcaster CCTV that the vessel will serve both as a “force-projection platform” and a high-capacity drone mothership, enhancing reconnaissance, fire support, and island-seizure operations.

Compared to the older Type 075, four of which are already in service, the Type 076 is positioned as a next-generation asset that may redefine China’s approach to amphibious warfare.

Are the accelerated trials linked to the Japan rift?

The ship’s accelerated trials coincide with new friction between Beijing and Japan. Tokyo recently reaffirmed plans to deploy Type 03 Chu-SAM surface-to-air missiles to Yonaguni Island, approximately 110 kilometres east of Taiwan.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the move was intended to reduce the risk of an armed attack on Japan, an assertion Beijing dismissed as “extremely dangerous.”

Is the Drone Carrier meant for Taiwan operations?

Tensions have remained high since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially permitting military intervention.

Beijing condemned the remarks, which are among the clearest yet from Tokyo on its possible role in a Taiwan contingency, breaking with decades of “strategic ambiguity.”

Why is Taiwan key to Chinese force modernisation?

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification. While Japan and the United States do not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state, Washington is legally obligated to help arm the island and opposes any attempt to change the status quo by force.

In this strategic environment, the Type 076 emergence adds a powerful new dimension to the PLA’s amphibious toolkit.

As the world’s first dedicated drone-capable assault ship, it strengthens China’s ability to project power across the western Pacific and signals that Beijing is preparing for more complex, networked, and unmanned-heavy operations that could shape any future conflict in the Taiwan Strait.