China currently possesses three aircraft carriers, with two actively commissioned into service and a third undergoing sea trials. A fourth carrier is also reportedly under construction.
China's Aircraft Carrier Fleet Overview
As of 2024, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operates a growing fleet of aircraft carriers, signifying its expanding naval power projection capabilities. The fleet includes two operational carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, with a more advanced third carrier, the Fujian, currently in the crucial phase of sea trials. Plans are also underway for a fourth, even more advanced, nuclear-powered vessel.
Active Carriers
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CNS Liaoning (Type 001): This carrier was originally a Soviet-era Kuznetsov-class heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser purchased from Ukraine in 1998. After extensive refurbishment and modernization, it was commissioned into the PLAN in 2012. The Liaoning primarily serves as a training and research platform, helping China develop its carrier operations, pilot training, and deck crew procedures.
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CNS Shandong (Type 002): Representing a significant step forward, the Shandong is China's first domestically built aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 2019, it is an improved version of the Liaoning, featuring enhanced internal design and optimized flight deck configurations. The Shandong is fully operational and dedicated to combat readiness, reflecting China's growing capabilities in naval aviation.
Carrier Undergoing Sea Trials
- CNS Fujian (Type 003): Launched in 2022, the Fujian marks a leap in China's carrier technology. It is China's first carrier to incorporate an electromagnetic catapult launch system (EMALS), similar to that used on the latest U.S. Navy carriers. This advanced system allows for the launch of heavier aircraft with more ordnance and fuel, significantly enhancing its operational flexibility and combat power compared to the ski-jump ramp systems on the Liaoning and Shandong. The Fujian began its initial sea trials in May 2024, a critical step before its official commissioning.
Potential Future Carrier
- Type 004 (Under Construction): Reports suggest that China is already working on its fourth aircraft carrier, provisionally known as "Type 004." This vessel is expected to be China's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which would provide virtually unlimited range and greater endurance compared to conventionally powered ships. While details remain scarce, its development underscores China's long-term ambitions to build a truly blue-water navy.
Summary of Chinese Aircraft Carriers
The table below provides a concise overview of China's aircraft carrier fleet as of 2024:
| Carrier Name | Type | Status (As of 2024) | Propulsion | Launch System | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liaoning | Type 001 | Active Service | Conventional | Ski-jump | First carrier, primarily for training. |
| Shandong | Type 002 | Active Service | Conventional | Ski-jump | First domestically built carrier. |
| Fujian | Type 003 | Undergoing Sea Trials | Conventional | EMALS | First carrier with electromagnetic catapults. |
| Type 004 | Type 004 | Believed Under Construction | Nuclear | EMALS (Expected) | Expected to be China's first nuclear-powered carrier. |
For more detailed information on China's naval developments, you can refer to the Chinese aircraft carrier programme on Wikipedia.
Future Outlook
China's rapid progress in aircraft carrier development reflects its strategic shift towards becoming a major naval power with global reach. The transition from refitted foreign vessels to domestically built, conventionally powered carriers, and now to advanced catapult-equipped and potentially nuclear-powered designs, demonstrates a clear trajectory of increasing sophistication and capability. This expansion is central to China's long-term defense strategy, aiming to protect its maritime interests and project power further from its shores.
