China has released new footage highlighting tests aboard its Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan, including the vessel’s first publicly disclosed live-fire launch of countermeasures and an electromagnetic catapult test using a dead load. Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping said the Type 076 amphibious assault ship marks a significant technological advance, introducing new possibilities for naval operations. The Type 076 combines technologies developed for China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship and Type 003 aircraft carrier, bringing together existing systems to create a more advanced naval platform. According to Song, the integration of these technologies improvaes the ship’s overall capabilities and demonstrates China’s progress in electromagnetic catapult systems and related technologies. The vessel has a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tons and features a twin-island superstructure, a full-length flight deck, and newly integrated electromagnetic catapult and arrestor systems.