The third of China’s Type 075 amphibious helicopter assault ship was towed to its new berth on Friday where it will be made ready for launch later in the year, state media reported. The assault vessel was moved to the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai where it will be fitted with weapons systems, living accommodation and the other equipment it needs, Global Times reported. The Type 075 is a new generation of amphibious assault vessel and at 40,000 tonnes far larger than similar ships previously built for the Chinese navy. As well as being able to carry up to 30 attack helicopters and armoured vehicles, its flat deck can accommodate vertical take-off and landing fighters such as the F-35B. It can also carry hundreds of troops and landing crafts. The Type 075 is the world’s third-largest amphibious assault ship, behind the United States’ Wasp and America classes. It is bigger than Japan’s Izumo class and France’s Mistral class. China plans to have three Type 075s to use for small-scale overseas missions. Its second was launched in April last year. Once the third is completed, the PLA will be able to have one Type 075 in operation, one undergoing maintenance and another on standby. China should use drones to patrol and defend contested seas, academics say After completing the first batch of Type 075s, China will focus on building its next-generation amphibious assault vessel, which will be heavier and feature more advanced equipment, according to Chinese news portal Guancha.cn. The PLA has increased its naval power in recent years to better defend its maritime interests, especially in the South China Sea . Since 2016, it has launched three Type 071 amphibious landing dock vessels, and two more are undergoing sea trials.