An image has emerged of China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship, Sichuan, showcasing a navalized loyal wingman drone, indicative of advancements in the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Commissioned recently, the 44,000-ton vessel’s capabilities, including an electromagnetic catapult, signal a significant enhancement in China’s amphibious warfare and drone operations, potentially escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific. This development poses challenges to regional stability, particularly for India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, where increased PLAN aviation flexibility could support aggressive territorial claims. Consequently, India must enhance its naval drone integration and carrier capabilities to maintain a strategic equilibrium in the face of these evolving threats.