Image Credits: USNI China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hubei has completed its full combat qualification assessment in the South China Sea, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said on Monday. The assessment is an important step before the ship moves into combat-ready duty. It tested the ship and its crew through several military exercises, including anti-aircraft gunnery and underwater self-defence drills. During one exercise, Hubei’s weapons locked onto and destroyed a target drone. The crew also had to respond to different situations while coordinating across the ship’s various departments. The assessment included both planned exercises and unexpected challenges. According to the China Military Bugle, the exercise team sent scenarios to Hubei’s combat information centre through the ship’s command system. The crew had to respond within set time limits and follow established procedu-res. As many as 100 individual test scenarios were given to the crew during several days of navigation. What does the qualification mean? A newly commissioned warship does not immediately become fully combat-ready. The ship and its crew first have to complete required training and pass assessments. Chinese military affairs expert Wang Yunfei told the Global Times that the assessment checks whether the ship’s different departments have completed their training and whether the crew can operate together effectively. Passing the assessment means Hubei’s departmental training and integrated exercises have met the required standards, Wang said. With the necessary equipment support, he said the ship has achieved combat readiness and can take on various missions. Wang said Hubei is expected to enter combat-ready duty and carry out missions in the South China Sea. He also said amphibious assault ships can be used for activities involving islands and reefs, including patrols, combat-readiness operations and personnel delivery. Hubei is China’s fourth Type 075 Hubei is