Official Chinese media reveals footage of Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan's electromagnetic catapult test, live-fire countermeasures launch

State media released footage on Army Day (August 1, 2026) showing the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan conducting electromagnetic catapult launches and live-fire countermeasures tests, the first official visual confirmation that the ship's catapult system is operationally active. The release documents that the EMALS-type system has reached a testable state aboard a commissioned or near-commissioned hull, advancing the question of when carrier-capable fixed-wing aircraft will be integrated with the platform. What remains unknown from this release is the specific aircraft type used in the catapult tests and whether the footage reflects sea trials or pierside testing.