China’s first Type-075 assault amphibious ship is starting sea trials.

The People Liberation Army Navy's newest amphibious warfare assault ship, the Type-075 LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) is setting sail for the first time.
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Type-075 being prepared for sea trials. (Picture source: Weibo/Rupprecht_A)

First Type 075 amphibious assault ship will commence sea trial and enter full deployment soon. Recent pictures show tug boats at work with the first Type 075 LHD, so the start of trials is happening now.

Additional images from the first Type 075 LHD clearly show lights in the hangar, the opening for the deck elevator from inside the hangar ... the ship seems to be ready to go.

The island-seizing LHD can be equipped with a pair of HHQ-10 surface-to-air defence missile systems and two H/PJ-11 30mm close-in weapon system that can deliver 10,000 shots per minute.

Type-075 being prepared for sea trials. (Picture source: Weibo/Rupprecht_A)

Warships under development at Hudong–Zhonghua Shipyard:

At the moment the yard is building the Type-071 LPD for Thailand and a Type-054A frigate for the Pakistan Navy.

And there are already rumours of the follow-on Type-076 LHD which is expected to include EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) for UCAVs or crewed aircraft. Having EMALs on an assault carrier could be a significant game-changer for China. While it cannot be verified, it does appear to reflect the direction of PLAN thinking.