China's fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship is about to set sail

It can be seen that China's naval modernization process is ongoing, with the Type 075 program demonstrating the country's shipbuilding capabilities. Photo: @19FortyFive.

The first Type 075 amphibious assault ship, Hainan, was commissioned in April 2021, followed by Guangxi and Anhui in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship (Hubei) was spotted undergoing sea trials and is expected to join the fleet by the end of 2025. Photo: @China Military.

Posts on social media X, including one from user @gaofrank75 on May 10, 2025, claimed that the Hubei train had entered service, although there was no official confirmation from the Beijing government of this information. Photo: @gaofrank75.

The move, reported in early May 2025, signals that the Hubei is about to enter service with the People's Liberation Army Navy, as well as demonstrating that China continues to project naval power across the Indo-Pacific. Photo: @gaofrank75.

The Type 075 landing ship, often compared to the US Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, is a formidable platform designed and built to support a wide range of military operations, from troop landings to various humanitarian missions. The development of the Hubei reflects a broader trend in naval warfare where flexibility and integration are paramount. Photo: @Ricky Un.

With an estimated displacement of 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes at full load, the ship is one of the largest of its kind globally. Its spacious flight deck can accommodate up to 30 helicopters, including the Z-20 naval helicopter variant and the Z-8 transport helicopter. Photo: @ The War Zone.

Compared to the US Wasp-class, which displaces about 40,500 tonnes and carries a mix of helicopters and F-35B jets, the Hubei does not carry fixed-wing aircraft, but in return it costs less and is faster to produce. Photo: @Ricky Un.

While the Wasp-class, with its ability to deploy short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft, offers greater flexibility in air operations, the fourth Type 075 focuses on helicopter assaults, in line with China's top military priorities in the region. Photo: @Ricky Un.

The deck houses hovercraft and amphibious vehicles, capable of transporting around 900 marines and their equipment to shore. This capability allows the Hubei to conduct large-scale amphibious assaults. This is an optimal capability, and extremely important in China 's military strategy in disputed areas such as the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait. Photo: @Wikimedia Commons.

The fourth Type 075 landing ship's sensors and weapons add to the vessel's operational versatility. Equipped with the Type 346A radar, a dual-band system similar to that on China's Type 052D destroyers, the Hubei impresses with its advanced air and surface surveillance capabilities. Photo: @ Quora.

In terms of defense, the Hubei carries two HQ-10 short-range surface-to-air missile systems, two H/PJ-11 close-in weapon systems, and each of these systems has a 30mm Gatling gun designed to counter missiles and small boats. Photo: @Lemo's linkebook.

While there have been reports that the ship could potentially carry anti-ship missiles, such as the YJ-83, as of May 2025, there is no public evidence to support this claim. Photo: @Lemo's linkebook.

The fourth Type 075 LPD’s electronic warfare system, while not fully disclosed, is said to feature jamming and decoy technology to counter missile threats. These features combined make the ship an extremely powerful platform capable of operating effectively in high-risk environments. Photo: @The War Zone.

At the same time, the Hubei ship's command and control system also supports coordinated operations with other naval assets, such as the Type 055 destroyer and the Fujian aircraft carrier. Photo: @emsopedia.

The rapid progress of manufacturing, design, and construction in less than a year from the launch to testing of this ship not only reflects the defense industry's capacity, but also reflects the strategic urgency, as China seeks to assert dominance in the near seas and beyond. Photo: @The National Interest.

China's investment in amphibious capabilities reflects its strategic shift from a continental power to a maritime power. Photo: @RBC-Ukraine.

The fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship under construction at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai underscores the rapid growth of Beijing’s navy, raising questions about its strategic intentions and the challenges it poses to the US and other allies. The milestone also demonstrates a growing ability to conduct complex amphibious operations, potentially reshaping the regional security landscape. Photo: @ Marine Insight.

However, China’s amphibious ambitions still face many challenges. Operating four Type 075s requires significant logistical support, including crew training, maintenance facilities, and a continuous supply chain capable of sustaining extended deployments. Photo: @ The Financial Express.

Analysts also say that the fourth Type 075 LPD’s reliance on a large number of helicopters makes it vulnerable to advanced air defense systems, such as those deployed by Taiwan or the US, which could disable the ship’s landing capabilities before troops reach shore. Photo: @ Newsweek.

For its part, the US Navy is not standing still. The USS Preble, a destroyer equipped with HELIOS laser weapons, has been testing in 2024 against potential threats such as the Type 075 amphibious assault ship. Photo: @Wikipedia.

Such improvements, it seems, highlight the ongoing defense technology arms race in the Pacific, where both sides are looking to exploit vulnerabilities in each other's military platforms. Photo: @Naval News.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/tau-do-bo-type-075-thu-tu-cua-trung-quoc-sap-ra-khoi-post1541220.html