Report: China’s Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship to Revolutionize Uncrewed Naval Warfare

Chi Jianjun, who commands the PLAN’s Type 055 stealth guided-missile destroyer Nanchang, emphasized the ongoing shift in naval combat dynamics, driven by advancements in autonomous technology. Speaking on the fifth anniversary of the Nanchang’s commissioning, Chi highlighted the comprehensive adoption of uncrewed systems across various vessel classes in the PLAN fleet.

The Type 076, launched to international speculation, is now confirmed to serve as a drone carrier. This role complements its predecessor, the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, by further advancing China’s ambitions in amphibious and aerial uncrewed operations. The Type 076 is expected to feature an electromagnetic catapult system, enabling the launch and recovery of a wide array of drones, including combat and reconnaissance platforms.

Drone carriers

The concept of drone carriers, naval vessels designed specifically to deploy, operate, and recover unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), represents a transformative shift in maritime operations and warfare. Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, which rely on manned fighter jets and helicopters, drone carriers emphasize autonomy, efficiency, and versatility. They are equipped to handle various UAVs for missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, combat operations, and logistical support. This shift is driven by the growing demand for cost-effective and risk-reducing solutions in modern navies.

Drones offer several key advantages: they minimize human risk, reduce operational costs, and provide enhanced capabilities for long-duration and high-risk missions. As nations seek to modernize their naval fleets and adapt to evolving threats, drone carriers have emerged as a strategic asset that combines technological innovation with operational efficiency. These platforms are poised to redefine the balance of power at sea, making unmanned naval capabilities an essential part of future maritime strategies.

Turkey has also embraced the drone carrier model with its TCG Anadolu, an amphibious assault ship modified to operate UAVs. Originally intended for the now-canceled F-35B program, the vessel was repurposed to accommodate Turkey’s Bayraktar TB3 drones.

In late 2024, Turkey showcased a breakthrough when the TB3 successfully conducted takeoffs and landings on the TCG Anadolu.