China launches first home-made amphibious assault ship

(Photo/military.cnr.cn/)

China's first amphibious assault ship, the Type 075, was launched in Shanghai on Sept. 25.

Developed independently by China, the new ship has a strong capability to carry out amphibious combat and other tasks. After the initial launch, it will undergo equipment debugging, mooring and navigational trials as planned.

An anonymous military expert pointed out that due to its unique design, special loading power and maneuver warfare capabilities, the Type 075 will become an indispensable and fresh force in China's modern naval warfare, especially for landing and islet missions.

(Photo/military.cnr.cn/)

However, the immense design, construction and cost make it the second most complex warship built by China, only second to the country's aircraft carrier.

Only a few countries in the world can make amphibious assault ships, such as France and Japan while only China and the US can make ships as powerful as the Type 075.

The ship is 250 meters long and 30 meters wide, with an estimated displacement of 40,000 tons. It is comparable to the US' Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, which has a displacement of 40,500 tons.