The China’s first independently-built Type-075 amphibious assault ship Hainan has recently completed its full-time training assessment, marking a key step towards the high seas. Hainan is equipped with a variety of firepower systems such as missiles and close-in weapons system (CIWS) capable of self-defense and counter-attack, a through deck that can carry multi-type ship-borne helicopters, and an internal dock that can carry multi-type tanks and air cushion landing craft. Since its commission into the PLA Navy, ship Hainan has completed collaborative training with multiple types of ship-borne helicopters, tanks and air cushion landing craft for several times.
“Right now, we have completed the full-time training assessment, getting closer towards high seas. Next, we will continue improving the level of the joint real combat training, with emphasizes on force-on-force training and technological training, giving full play to the operational effectiveness of ship Hainan in integrated operations,” said Captain Zhang Meiyu, commander of ship Hainan.
Hainan was the first ship of The Type 075 landing helicopter dock (NATO reporting name: Yushen-class landing helicopter assault) and laid down in 2018 and launched on 25 September 2019 at the Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai. She suffered a minor fire while fitting out on 11 April 2020. Reportedly, the fire was quickly extinguished and caused minimal damage; construction was apparently not slowed. On 23 April 2021, the ship was commissioned into the South Sea Fleet. She reached initial operating capability in March 2022.
The Type 075 landing helicopter dock has a full-length flight deck for helicopter operations and features a floodable well deck from which to disembark hovercraft and armored amphibious assault vehicles. The Type 075 has a full-length flight deck for helicopter operations and features a floodable well deck from which to disembark hovercraft and armored amphibious assault vehicles. The Type 075’s size and tonnage is estimated to be greater than most contemporaries, with exceptions including the United States Navy’s Wasp class and America class.
