The PLA is building a fleet of barges with Taiwan in mind, analysts say
New vessels – which have extendable ramps – could be part of strategy to boost amphibious capabilities by allowing for faster landings
“At least three” of the barges are under construction, defence website Naval News reported earlier this month citing multiple sources.
The vessels are said to be equipped with ramps that can extend more than 120 metres (over 390 feet) from the front of the barge. They could be used to reach a coastal road or hard surface beyond a beach to deliver equipment such as tanks.
In a follow-up report last week citing recent satellite images, the Financial Times said six such vessels were being built at state-owned Guangzhou Shipyard International in southern China.
Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, sad the barges were likely to be part of the PLA strategy on Taiwan.