Fourth Chinese Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship Joins Navy

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has inducted its fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, Hubei, marking another step in China's growing emphasis on joint sea-air landing capabilities.

The ship has already participated in maritime training exercises in the South China Sea, official Chinese media reported Friday.

Commissioned with hull number 34, Hubei was seen training alongside other warships to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the PLA’s founding. Footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed the vessel operating in formation with the Hainan—the first Type 075 ship—and four Type 071 amphibious landing ships. Exercises also involved the Type 726 air-cushioned landing craft, highlighting the PLA Navy’s focus on rapid force projection.

Known for their helicopter-carrying capability, Type 075 ships feature a straight flight deck similar to that of an aircraft carrier. Unlike conventional landing ships, the Type 075 is designed to deploy forces from the air and sea simultaneously. This makes it suitable for operations near contested regions, such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping told Global Times that the Type 075 is a “new generation” platform that enhances the PLA Navy’s ability to carry out multi-domain amphibious operations. “The Type 071 focuses on sea-based landings, while the Type 075 emphasizes aerial landings,” he said. “Together, they significantly raise the PLA’s joint combat capabilities.”

The PLA Southern Theater Command confirmed on its official WeChat account that Hubei has been assigned to its fleet. Sailors aboard the vessel were shown taking oaths and extending anniversary greetings during the exercises.

With the Hubei now active, the full list of commissioned Type 075 ships includes the Hainan, Guangxi, Anhui, and now Hubei. The first three are deployed with the Southern and Eastern Theater Commands, covering strategic maritime zones adjacent to Taiwan.

In addition to the Type 075, China is also advancing its next-generation amphibious capabilities. In December 2024, China launched the Type 076, the world’s first amphibious assault ship equipped with electromagnetic catapults, according to Xinhua News Agency.