New barges being built in China could strengthen the amphibious capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army against Taiwan and other targets by enabling faster landings, according to analysts.
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“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.
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“Certainly whilst these barges could be used to support other amphibious operations – for example to seize territory in the South China Sea – it is more likely they are being acquired to support the invasion of Taiwan,” Davis said.