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China’s 40,000-Ton Type 076 Warship Tests Electromagnetic Catapult System Ahead Of Commissioning
August 3, 2026
China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan has completed tests of its defensive countermeasures and electromagnetic catapult system, with newly released footage showing the vessel’s latest trials as it moves closer to entering service.
The more than 40,000-ton warship has completed multiple sea trials after being launched in December 2024 and beginning its first sea trial in November 2025, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The ship is designed to operate fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment.
Footage released by Chinese state media showed the Sichuan conducting a live-fire launch of countermeasures for the first time, along with a test of its electromagnetic catapult system using a dead load, according to CCTV News.
Military observers said the dead load test is a preliminary step before aircraft launch trials. The test, carried out during the ship’s construction phase, indicates that the electromagnetic catapult system has reached an operational and reliable stage, they said.
The Sichuan has now completed several rounds of sea trials, increasing expectations that the ship could soon be commissioned.
Further footage showing the vessel launching actual aircraft would provide more details about its operational capabilities, military observers said.
Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that the Type 076 represents a major development by combining technologies from China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship and Type 003 aircraft carrier.
According to Song, the vessel addresses the challenge of operating carrier-based aircraft from amphibious assault ships and introduces new possibilities for future naval operations. He said the integration of electromagnetic catapult technology shows China’s progress in developing related systems.
The electromagnetic catapult system allows the ship to launch both manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft. Song said larger unmanned combat aircraft could use the system to carry heavier payloads, including additional equipment or weapons, while operating over longer distances.
Type 076 design and capabilities
The Sichuan features a full-length flight deck, twin-island superstructure, a new propulsion system and electromagnetic catapult and arrestor systems. These technologies are designed to improve aircraft launch and recovery operations.
The ship is a multi-role naval platform capable of carrying fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment. Its design includes an aviation hangar, vehicle deck and well deck for carrying equipment such as light tanks, amphibious assault vehicles and air-cushion landing craft.
CCTV previously reported that the ship’s catapult system and arresting gear had been completed. Recent footage showed the vessel with deck markings and deploying decoys.
Chinese state media also released computer-generated footage showing the Sichuan launching the GJ-21 stealth attack drone, a naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth attack drone. The footage showed one drone being launched, while five others were positioned on the deck.
The electromagnetic catapult system used on the Sichuan is currently installed on only a small number of naval vessels worldwide, including the US Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and China’s Fujian aircraft carrier.
According to CCTV, the technology allows faster and more frequent aircraft launches and enables aircraft to carry more fuel and weapons compared with vertical take-off aircraft used on other types of ships.
China’s 40,000-Ton Type 076 Warship Tests Electromagnetic Catapult System Ahead Of Commissioning
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