China's Use of Civilian Landing Craft: A Conversation with Thomas Shugart and Michael Dahm
From China Power
Thomas Shugart, Michael Dahm•Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security; Senior Resident Fellow, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Executive Summary
10 quotes
Concerns Raised
China's rapid, hard-to-track expansion of amphibious lift capacity via civilian LCTs.
The potential for strategic surprise through the rapid conversion of civilian ships into warships using containerized systems.
The PLA's massive infrastructure build-out indicates serious preparation for large-scale operations.
The risk that Taiwan's key defenses, like minefields, will not be in place before a conflict begins.
Opportunities Identified
Taiwan can leverage asymmetric capabilities, such as mass-produced drones, to exploit the vulnerabilities of LCTs.
The open-deck design of LCTs makes the vehicles they carry highly vulnerable to attack, meaning the ship doesn't need to be sunk to be neutralized.
Focusing intelligence collection on civilian infrastructure like shipyards and analyzing AIS data can provide better strategic warning.