The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China made its first-ever technical stop abroad with one of its new Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ships. According to the official statement, this stop took place in Indonesia, which analysts interpreted as a reflection of the strategic importance the Asian Giant places on international cooperation and exchanges with countries in the region.
As part of this deployment, the amphibious assault ship Hainan (031) accompanied a group consisting of the guided-missile frigates Hengyang and Liuzhou, which made a technical stop at the port of Tanjung Priok, Indonesia, for a four-day resupply. Prior to this, they had visited Hong Kong during the last days of November.
This event marks the first time one of the Type 075 ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy has docked in a foreign country, Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times. Additionally, during the technical stop, officers and sailors from the ships were scheduled to participate in cultural, sports, and social exchanges, according to PLA Daily. This not only highlights the strong ties between the two countries but also demonstrates the capabilities of China’s naval vessels to conduct long-term deployments far from their home bases.
The Hainan, the first LHA-type ship of this class, was launched in 2019 and entered service in April 2021. Months later, it completed its initial training evaluation to achieve Full Operational Capability. In 2023, it was deployed for the first time in the Western Pacific as part of exercises with other fleet ships, focusing on preparing the Hainan for combat and scenarios requiring its amphibious landing capabilities for humanitarian assistance and counterterrorism missions.
The ship is equipped with various air defense systems, including missiles and CIWS (Close-In Weapon Systems). The Type 075’s helicopter landing deck is designed for helicopter operations and includes a floodable dock from which hovercraft and armored amphibious assault vehicles can be deployed. It is estimated that the size and tonnage of the Type 075 place it among the largest ships of its kind, surpassed only by the U.S. Navy’s Wasp– and America-class vessels and the newly launched Type 076 in China.
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