China’s Fourth Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship Achieves Combat Qualification In South China Sea
Our take
The recent announcement of the PLA Navy’s fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, *Hubei*, achieving combat qualification in the South China Sea represents a significant development in the evolving regional power dynamics and maritime capabilities. This milestone, following the commissioning of *Hainan*, *Guangxi*, and *Anhui*, underscores China’s continued investment in projecting power beyond its immediate coastal waters. The Type 075 class, notable for its large displacement and capacity to carry helicopters, amphibious vehicles, and troops, fundamentally alters the PLA Navy’s ability to conduct expeditionary operations. This capability, coupled with advancements in other naval technologies, highlights a broader shift towards a more assertive maritime posture. The development comes amidst increasing regional tensions, as evidenced by [Taiwan Condemns China-Indonesia Naval Drills Off The Island’s East Coast], reflecting China’s growing willingness to conduct joint exercises with regional partners in areas claimed by other nations. Furthermore, Vietnam’s ongoing construction of its most advanced domestically built anti-submarine frigate, [Vietnam Begins Construction Of Largest And Most Advanced Domestically Built Anti-Submarine Frigate], signals a direct response to China's expanding naval presence and underscores the increasing arms race within the region.
The significance of the *Hubei*'s combat readiness extends beyond simply adding another vessel to the PLA Navy's fleet. These ships are designed to support island-based military infrastructure within the South China Sea, facilitating logistics and troop deployment to artificial islands constructed over the past decade. The integrated data ecosystem required to effectively manage and deploy assets from such a platform represents a considerable technological achievement. Moreover, the increasing reliance on unmanned systems, as demonstrated by the recent deployment of drone boats for resupply operations in the U.S. Navy, [World’s Largest Naval Exercise Displayed The First Drone Boat Resupply Of A U.S Warship], suggests a potential future where the Type 075 class integrates similar autonomous capabilities, further enhancing its operational effectiveness and reducing reliance on manned platforms. The calibrated integration of these technologies points towards a sophisticated and evolving naval strategy.
The implications of China’s enhanced amphibious warfare capabilities are far-reaching. While the PLA Navy’s primary focus remains on anti-access/area denial strategies, the Type 075 class offers a degree of flexibility and responsiveness previously unavailable. This capacity to rapidly project force and establish a foothold in contested areas necessitates a reassessment of regional defense strategies by neighboring nations. The longitudinal data gathered from operational deployments of the first three ships undoubtedly informed the design and operational procedures of the *Hubei*, leading to improved combat effectiveness. The validated performance of this fourth vessel further solidifies China's commitment to establishing a robust amphibious warfare capability, one that is demonstrably capable of operating in complex and contested maritime environments. This requires a measured, empirical approach to understanding the implications for regional security.
Looking ahead, the evolution of China's amphibious assault ship fleet and its integration with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced sensor systems, warrants close observation. The question remains: how will the PLA Navy leverage this enhanced capability to balance its broader strategic objectives, particularly in relation to Taiwan and other territorial disputes? The ongoing modernization of regional navies, including the development of advanced anti-ship missiles and submarine warfare capabilities, will undoubtedly shape the future of maritime power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, creating a complex and potentially volatile security landscape.
China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hubei has completed its full combat qualification assessment in the South China Sea, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said on Monday.
The assessment is an important step before the ship moves into combat-ready duty. It tested the ship and its crew through several military exercises, including anti-aircraft gunnery and underwater self-defence drills.
During one exercise, Hubei’s weapons locked onto and destroyed a target drone. The crew also had to respond to different situations while coordinating across the ship’s various departments.
The assessment included both planned exercises and unexpected challenges. According to the China Military Bugle, the exercise team sent scenarios to Hubei’s combat information centre through the ship’s command system. The crew had to respond within set time limits and follow established procedu-res.
As many as 100 individual test scenarios were given to the crew during several days of navigation.
What does the qualification mean?
A newly commissioned warship does not immediately become fully combat-ready. The ship and its crew first have to complete required training and pass assessments.
Chinese military affairs expert Wang Yunfei told the Global Times that the assessment checks whether the ship’s different departments have completed their training and whether the crew can operate together effectively.
Passing the assessment means Hubei’s departmental training and integrated exercises have met the required standards, Wang said. With the necessary equipment support, he said the ship has achieved combat readiness and can take on various missions.
Wang said Hubei is expected to enter combat-ready duty and carry out missions in the South China Sea. He also said amphibious assault ships can be used for activities involving islands and reefs, including patrols, combat-readiness operations and personnel delivery.
Hubei is China’s fourth Type 075
Hubei is the fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship to enter service with the PLA Navy, after Hainan, Guangxi and Anhui.
The ship carries hull number 34 and made its public debut in August 2025.
China is also developing the next-generation Type 076 amphibious assault ship. The first vessel of the class, Sichuan, is still undergoing sea trials.
The Type 075 is built to combine several amphibious functions on one ship. It has a full-length flight deck, hangar, vehicle storage areas and a well deck for launching landing craft.
The flight deck has several helicopter landing positions. The well deck can accommodate high-speed air-cushioned landing craft, which Chinese state media said can carry main battle tanks.
The vehicle deck can carry dozens of amphibious armoured vehicles, according to CCTV.
This allows the ships to transport troops, vehicles and equipment towards shore while also supporting helicopter operations.
More training ahead
Completing the combat qualification assessment does not mean Hubei’s training is finished.
Zhou Zijian, a crew member aboard Hubei, said the milestone was a new beginning for the crew. He was quoted by the China Military Bugle as saying they would continue using training opportunities to improve their combat skills.
With the assessment completed, Hubei is expected to move into combat-ready duty and conduct missions in the South China Sea, according to Wang. The ship’s crew will continue training as it develops its operational capabilities.
References: interestingengineering, globaltimes
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