China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan in final tests with drone catapult

China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan in final tests with drone catapultCCTV computer-generated footage shows how the 40,000-tonne Sichuan uses electromagnetic catapult to launch GJ-21 drones2-MIN READ2-MIN5ListenPublished: 6:06pm, 29 Jul 2026Updated: 6:46pm, 29 Jul 2026Computer-generated footage showing how China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship will launch GJ-21 stealth fighter drones has been aired by state media, with a military commentator saying the vessel is in the final stages of commissioning.The 40,000-tonne Sichuan had full deck line markings, meaning it had entered the final testing phase, military expert Wei Dongxu told state broadcaster CCTV.The amphibious assault ship, which has a 250-metre-long (820 feet) and 62-metre-wide flight deck, is expected to become one of Beijing’s most important assets in any potential action against Taiwan. It is designed to transport landing craft, troops, armoured vehicles and aircraft to support amphibious operations.01:29China’s first 076 ‘drone carrier’ amphibious assault ship begins sea trialsWei said the next step was to conduct ship-aircraft integration training. CCTV reported earlier that both the catapult system and the arresting gear had been completed.