China has been investing heavily in modernizing its submarine fleet, developing both nuclear-powered and conventional diesel-electric submarines with advanced stealth technology and more advanced weaponry, making them more capable and stealthy.
China’s aircraft carrier fleet is becoming more advanced, with larger and more capable ships, making them more powerful projection of military power.
China’s carrier-borne aircraft fleet is becoming more advanced and capable with the inclusion of stealth capabilities, making them more difficult to detect and defend against.
China’s frigates and destroyers are becoming more advanced and capable with the inclusion of stealth technology and advanced weaponry, making them more powerful in their roles as defensive and offensive platforms.
Developments in anti-ship missiles have led to concerns about the potential threat they pose to naval vessels in the region, particularly in the event of a conflict in the South China Sea.
China’s amphibious ships are becoming larger and more capable, making them more powerful platforms for amphibious operations and power projection.
Nuclear and Conventional Submarines
In terms of nuclear-powered submarines, China has developed the Type 095 and Type 096 classes of submarines, are believed to be equipped with advanced stealth technology and more advanced weaponry, including new types of cruise missiles and torpedoes.
China has also developed new conventional diesel-electric stealth submarines such as the Type 039A and Type 039B, equipped with land-attack cruise missiles.
Aircraft Carriers
The Chinese Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning, a refurbished Soviet-era carrier and the Type 001A, which is a domestically built carrier.
China is currently building its third aircraft carrier, the Type 002. It will be the first aircraft carrier to be equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), instead of traditional steam catapults.
China is also developing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Type 003, which is currently under construction. It will be the first aircraft carrier of its kind in the Chinese Navy and will be equipped with advanced technologies such as an EMALS, a more advanced radar system, and a larger flight deck.
Carrier-borne Aircraft
The Chinese Navy currently operates the J-15, a carrier-borne fighter aircraft, which is based on the Russian Su-33 aircraft and is primarily used for air defense and strike missions. The J-15 is equipped with advanced avionics, weapons systems, and radar, allowing it to engage both air and ground targets.
China is also developing a new carrier-borne fighter aircraft, the J-31, which is designed to have a stealth capability, to operate from both the Liaoning and the Type 001A aircraft carriers.
China is also working on a new advanced carrier-borne early warning aircraft, the KJ-600.
In addition, China has been developing new carrier-borne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the Lijian (Sharp Sword) stealth UAV which is designed for reconnaissance and strike missions.
Chinese Naval Surface Combatants
In terms of frigates, China has developed the Type 054A and Type 054B classes of stealth frigates, which are equipped with advanced weapons systems, including anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missiles, as well as radar and sonar systems.
In terms of destroyers, China has developed the Type 055 class of stealth destroyers, which are equipped with advanced weapons systems, including long-range anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, as well as radar and sonar systems.
China is also developing the Type 056 class of stealth corvettes, which are smaller than frigates but larger than patrol boats.
Anti-ship Missiles
China has developed long-range, supersonic anti-ship missiles such as the DF-21D and DF-26, which are capable of striking targets at distances of up to 1,500 and 2,500 km respectively. China has also developed the YJ-12, an anti-ship missile that can be launched from land, ships, and aircraft and is capable of flying at low altitude to evade radar detection.
Another recent development is the Type 022 fast attack missile boat which is equipped with YJ-83 anti-ship missiles. Also, the development of the H-6N bomber that can carry CJ-20 air-launched cruise missiles with a range of about 2,500 km, capable of striking ships and land-based targets.
Amphibious Ships
China’s current amphibious ships include the Type 071 and Type 072III classes of landing platform docks (LPDs) and the Type 073 and Type 074 classes of landing ship tanks (LSTs) with a variety of capabilities.
China is also developing the Type 075 class of amphibious assault ships, which are larger than current ships and are expected to have a greater amphibious assault capabilities, including the ability to carry more landing craft and aircraft, as well as being equipped with a well-deck and a flight deck.
