The amphibious assault ship Hubei, identified by hull number 34, took part in combat-oriented training in the waters of the South China Sea in late May 2026.
The vessel, assigned to a landing ship flotilla of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy under the Southern Theater Command, carried out a series of maneuvers and operational simulations during the exercise.
According to images released by the Chinese military portal, Hubei sailed to the designated maritime training area and conducted activities focused on combat employment scenarios. Among the recorded activities were firings of the close-in defense system against simulated targets, embarked air operations, and internal damage-control drills.
Crew members were also photographed during a damage-control exercise aboard the vessel, a procedure considered essential for maintaining the ship’s operational capability during emergencies. In another image, sailors can be seen inside the combat information center, wearing protective equipment while monitoring their watch stations.
The training also included operations with an embarked helicopter. A Z-8C carried out takeoff and landing operations on Hubei’s flight deck, including nighttime maneuvers that increased the complexity of the exercise.
The Type 075 is one of the Chinese Navy’s main classes of amphibious assault ships, designed to transport troops, vehicles, and helicopters for amphibious landings, air support, and power-projection missions. Hubei’s participation in this type of exercise highlights China’s focus on enhancing the operational readiness of its amphibious units in strategic areas.
The South China Sea is a region of major military and commercial importance, frequently serving as the scene of patrols, naval exercises, and activities involving different armed forces. In this context, the drills conducted by the Southern Theater Command are part of China’s efforts to keep its naval forces prepared for integrated operations in a complex maritime environment.
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Source and images: eng.chinamil.com.cn / Qiao Chenxi. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
