A Chinese Type 071 amphibious transport dock ship equipped with a newly installed laser-directed energy weapon system has been spotted after a recent refit. The result points to China’s growing interest in laser weapons, similar to global developments by other countries, especially the United States.
In a photo circulating on social media, the laser weapon can be seen positioned behind the 76mm dual-purpose gun on the bow of the ship.
The identity of the ship remains unknown. However, there are reports that it could be the Simingshan (986) or Yimengshan (988). When not in use, the weapon is hidden in a large dome-shaped cover.
The facility appears to designate Type 071 as a test platform for laser weapons, which could allow similar systems to be deployed on future Chinese warships.
The Type 071 amphibious dock transport ships weigh approximately 25,000 tons and are a valuable asset to the People’s Liberation Army Navy. They provide capabilities similar to the US San Antonio-class ships (LPD-17).
China Is Installing Laser Weapons On Its Type 071 Amphibious Assault Ship
It has a small flight deck and a hangar that can accommodate four Z-8 heavy-lift helicopters. It can also transport up to 60 armored vehicles and 800 personnel.
China’s move mimics the efforts of the U.S. Navy, specifically the Mk 2 Mod 0 Laser Weapon System (LWSD) installed on the San Antonio-class landing site USS Portland.
The LWSD system successfully shot down a small drone in May 2020. While the exact capabilities of the Chinese system are unknown, it may be used for similar purposes. Such as defending against drones, swarms of small boats, turbulence optical sensors, and surveillance in visual surveillance.
Other U.S. laser projects include the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Glare and Observation System (HELIOS) installed on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Preble. The less powerful AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System (LaWS) was previously deployed on the USS Ponce.
These systems represent important advances in maritime defense, providing a multi-purpose capability to counter various threats.
The PLA Navy’s new laser systems are dazzling and similar to lower-power systems already used by China. These dazzlers have been used against Australian and American maritime patrol aircraft.
The U.S. Navy sees these developments as the first step toward more powerful laser weapons capable of countering more challenging threats. Such as cruise missiles and aircraft.
The latest developments in China suggest that the Chinese Navy also wants to enhance its naval warfare capabilities.
