**Location and Overview**
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Navies across the Asia-Pacific region are enhancing their amphibious capabilities to protect their complex coastlines, driven by the increasing military assertiveness of China.
**Japan’s Amphibious Developments**
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) plans to acquire 10 new landing craft by the end of Fiscal Year 2027. This includes:
– Two 3,500-ton Logistics Support Vessels (LSV)
– Four 2,400-ton Landing Craft Utility (LCU)
– Four smaller Maneuver Support Vessels
On November 28, 2023, Japanese shipbuilder Naikai Zosen launched the first LSV, followed by the first LCU on October 29, 2023. These vessels will be integrated into a new joint Maritime Transport Group in March 2024, supporting the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, which is Japan’s marine corps equivalent. The Japanese military has expressed concern regarding the vulnerability of its southwest archipelago to Chinese intrusions.
**Australia’s Strategy**
Australia is similarly enhancing its amphibious capabilities with the addition of:
– 18 new Landing Craft Medium (LCM)
– Eight Landing Craft Heavy (LCH)
The 2022 Defence Strategic Review called for improved littoral capabilities. The LCMs, designed by Birdon Group, can carry 90 tons of cargo, while the larger LCHs displace 3,900 tons. On November 22, 2023, Australia selected the LST 100 design from Damen Shipyards for the LCH, with Austal set to construct all LCMs and LCHs in Western Australia.
According to Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart, the Chief of Army, the first medium vessel is expected in the water by the end of 2026, while the first heavy vessel will follow by the end of 2028. The Australian government emphasizes that these craft will improve their strategy of denial, supporting modernized land forces with extended range capabilities.
**Philippines’ Naval Enhancements**
The Philippines currently operates two Tarlac-class landing platform dock (LPD) vessels. Two additional LPDs are under construction in Indonesia through a contract signed in 2022, to be delivered by 2026. These vessels will assist in deploying units throughout the Philippine archipelago, particularly against Chinese pressures in the South China Sea.
**Taiwan’s Naval Capacity**
Taiwan commissioned the domestically built LPD Yushan in September 2022. At 10,000 tons, it is not designed to counter a large-scale Chinese invasion but can facilitate mine countermeasures, supply offshore islands, and support amphibious landings.
**India’s Delayed Developments**
India has been slower in enhancing its amphibious sealift capacity. The Indian Navy issued a request for information for four LPDs in 2021, but progress has stalled. Navantia from Spain is collaborating with Larsen & Toubro to propose the Juan Carlos I platform; however, funding is a challenge due to competing priorities with submarines and surface combatants, amid ongoing tensions at India’s borders with China and Pakistan.
**Author Background**
Gordon Arthur is an Asia correspondent for Defense News, residing in New Zealand after a 20-year experience in Hong Kong. He has attended military exercises and defense exhibitions in about 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
