Could the PLA’s new shipborne drone redefine naval operations in the South China Sea?

Mainland state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday released a video explaining the operational capabilities of China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship. It showed a lightweight uncrewed helicopter parked on the ship with folding rotors that appeared to be slightly smaller than the PLA’s main shipborne helicopter, the Z-20.This is the first time such a drone has been spotted on a Type 075 ship. Vessels of the model have been used in both the China-sea" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="8346" data-entity-type="location">South China Sea and near Taiwan.The Type 075 has a displacement of between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes and is designed to transport landing craft, troops, armoured vehicles and helicopters.Chinese media often refer to the vessel as a helicopter carrier or light aircraft carrier. The ship can carry more than 30 helicopters and simultaneously launch and recover six.This is the first time such a drone has been spotted on a Type 075 amphibious assault ship. Photo: CCTVSome analysts said the uncrewed helicopter shown in the video was an AR-2000, a lightweight aircraft developed by the China" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="24789" data-entity-type="organization">Aviation Industry Corporation of China. The model weighs about two tonnes and made its debut at an air show in 2024.