Chinese Navy Tests Advanced Laser Turret on Type 071 LPD

The Chinese Navy has embarked on a noteworthy technological leap with the installation of a laser-based direct energy weapon (DEW) on a Type 071 amphibious transport dock (LPD). This recent development marks a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities, although official statements or media coverage on the project are still pending.

Recent images, first circulated on Chinese social media platforms, reveal the Type 071 Simingshan (hull number 986) undergoing a major modification. This amphibious transport dock, stationed at the new Chinese amphibious base in Shanghai, has been fitted with a laser turret. The turret is mounted on an extended raised platform at the forward superstructure of the ship, positioned behind the existing 76 mm H/PJ-26 main gun and ahead of the bridge.

The laser weapon system, featuring a retractable protective cupola, resembles various international laser weapon programs. For instance, its design bears similarities to the US Navy's AN/SEQ-3 LaWS (Laser Weapon System), which was briefly installed on the USS Dewey in 2012. This resemblance extends to the AN/SEQ-4 ODIN Optical Dazzling Interdictor and the Northrop Grumman-developed LWSD (Laser Weapon System Demonstrator), which have been tested on various naval vessels including the USS Portland (LPD-27).

China's foray into laser weapons is not entirely new, but it has largely been confined to ground-based systems and experimental projects. The Type 072III LST Haiyangshan, for instance, previously showcased a rail gun, highlighting China's interest in cutting-edge weaponry. However, the current installation on the Type 071 represents a dedicated effort towards integrating a hard-kill laser system.

Details about the laser's power output or technical specifications remain scarce. Higher-powered laser weapons typically exceed 100 kW, but initial testing models may operate at lower power levels. The Type 071 LPD provides a suitable platform for such a system, given its ample space and weight capacity. The ship's design allows for relatively straightforward modifications to accommodate the laser weapon, and its power generation capabilities are adequate to support this advanced technology.

Interestingly, the Type 071 LPD, unlike newer designs such as the Type 075 LHD, lacks missile-based self-defense systems. It relies primarily on the H/PJ-13 30 mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and heavy machine guns for defense. The integration of a high-powered laser could potentially fill the gap in close-range defense, offering enhanced protection against aerial and missile threats.

This testing phase underscores China's approach to naval innovation, where significant advancements often remain under wraps until third-party sources bring them to light. As more information becomes available, the implications of this new laser system for China's naval strategy and capabilities will become clearer.