​HONG KONG  — China will launch its first Type 075 amphibious helicopter assault ship at a shipyard in Shanghai on Thursday (Sept 26), sources said.

The Maritime Safety Administration issued a notice on Monday that said an area about 1,500 metres long by 350 metres wide around No 4 pier of the Hudong-Zhonghua yard would be shut to traffic between 11.30am and 1pm.

Photographs taken in recent months by military enthusiasts near the yard suggested that construction of the hull and superstructure of the Type 075, which is estimated to have a displacement of 40,000 tonnes, was proceeding quickly.

This yard is also responsible for building China’s seven 25,000-tonne Type 071 class, or Yuzhao, landing platform docks – five of which are in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

Mr Song Zhongping, a Hong Kong-based military affairs commentator, said the Type 075 would significantly expand China’s amphibious warfare capabilities when it entered service. 

“Compared with China’s Type 071, the new Type 075 can accommodate more transport and attack helicopters and, in coordination with surface-effect ships [fast boats to deploy troops], could demonstrate greater attack capabilities [than the Type 071], especially for island assault missions,” Mr Song said.

An official launch did not mean the Type 075 was close to operational status, a source in Beijing said. The ship has to be fitted out with crew quarters and its radar, navigation and electronic warfare systems before undertaking sea trials.

“The launch of the Type 075 might spur China into quickening the pace of development for supporting equipment and warships,” the source said.

The Type 075, a counterpart to the US Navy’s Wasp-class landing helicopter dock, would be able to carry up to 30 choppers, as well as amphibious tanks, armoured vehicles, jet boats and hundreds of marines, sources said.

It is understood that the PLA Navy’s first batch of Type 075s will consist of three ships.

Proposals to fit Japan’s two 26,000 tonne Izumo-class helicopter carriers with vertical take-off and landing fighters such as the F-35B Lightning have prompted analysts to suggest that the Type 075 could serve as a light aircraft carrier.

The PLA Navy’s orders for the helicopter assault ships come as Asian neighbours have challenged Beijing’s claims to the disputed South China and relations with Taiwan have become strained.

China’s Type 075 helicopter ship nears completion, amateur pictures show

The US Defence Department’s “2019 China Military Power Report” suggested the PLA Navy’s near-term focus was on building an amphibious force geared towards small-scale missions as opposed to creating the forces required for a large-scale operation such as an invasion of Taiwan.

The report suggested that it would require a significant expansion of China’s landing ship forces.  SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST