Compared with Liaoning and Shandong, U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are larger (about 100,000 tons full load displacement), nuclear powered (giving them greater cruising endurance than a conventionally powered ship), able to embark and operate a larger number of aircraft (60 or more), and launch fixed-wing aircraft using catapults, which can give those aircraft a range/payload capability greater than that of aircraft launched with a ski ramp.

China’s third carrier, Fujian (Type 003), was launched (i.e., put into the water for the final stages of its construction) in on June 17, 2022. ONI expects the ship to enter service by 2024. It is expected to be conventionally powered, closer in size to U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, and equipped with catapults rather than a ski ramp for launching aircraft. China’s fourth carrier reportedly may have begun construction as early as 2021.

Observers have speculated that China may eventually field a force of four to six (or possibly more than six) aircraft carriers. In late November 2019, it was reported that the Chinese government, while deciding to proceed with the construction of the fourth carrier, had put on hold plans to build a fifth carrier, known as the Type 004, which was to be nuclear-powered, due to budgetary and technical considerations. Observers expect that it will be some time before China masters carrier-based aircraft operations on a substantial scale.

Liaoning (Type 001)

Liaoning is a refurbished ex-Ukrainian aircraft carrier that China purchased from Ukraine in 1998 as an unfinished ship. It is conventionally powered, has an estimated full load displacement of 60,000 to 66,000 tons, and reportedly can accommodate an air wing of 30 or more fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters, including 24 fighters. The Liaoning lacks aircraft catapults and instead launches fixed-wing airplanes off the ship’s bow using an inclined ski ramp.

Some observers have referred to the Liaoning as China’s “starter” carrier. China has been using Liaoning in part for pilot training. In May 2018, China reportedly announced that the aircraft carrier group formed around Liaoning had reached initial operational capability (IOC), although that term might not mean the same as it does when used by DOD in connection with U.S. weapon systems.

Shandong (Type 002)

Shandong is a modified version of the Liaoning design that incorporates some design improvements, including features that reportedly will permit it to embark and operate a larger air wing of 40 aircraft that includes 36 fighters. Its displacement is estimated at 66,000 to 70,000 tons.

Fujian (Type 003)

Earlier press reports had generally stated that Fujian might have a displacement of 80,000 tons to 85,000 tons. A November 29, 2020, press report, however, stated that satellite images of the ship under construction suggest that this estimate may be a bit low, and that Fujian might be closer in displacement to U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, which have a displacement of about 100,000 tons. Fujian is expected to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults rather than a ski ramp, which will improve the range/payload capability of the fixed-wing aircraft that they operate. A July 14, 2021, blog post stated that the ship might be launched (i.e., put into the water for the final stages of its construction) before the end of 2021.

China’s Fourth Carrier

A May 1, 2022, press report states: “Recent images of a stealth fighter jet at a naval airbase suggest China has begun pilot training preparations for a fourth aircraft carrier, defence experts say.” Some sources have stated that China’s fourth aircraft carrier would be built to the Type 003 design. Press reports from October 10, 2022, and March 13, 2021, however, suggest that the ship may be nuclear-powered rather than conventionally powered.

Commercial Heavy-Lift Ship Reportedly Used in Exercise as Helicopter Carrier

In August 2020, it was reported that China had used a commercial heavy-lift ship in a military exercise as a platform for operating at least two PLA Army helicopters.

Carrier-Based Aircraft

China’s primary carrier-based fighter aircraft is the J-15 or Flying Shark, an aircraft derived from the Russian Su-33 Flanker aircraft design that can operate from carriers equipped with a ski ramp rather than catapults, but which some observers have critiqued for its range/payload limitations in operations from carriers equipped with ski ramps rather than catapults. December 2021 press reports stated that China has developed an upgraded, catapult-capable version of the J-15 that could have improved range/payload when operated from a catapult-equipped carrier.

China reportedly plans to develop a carrier-capable variant of its J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter and/or a carrier-capable variant of its FC-31 fifth-generation stealth fighter (reportedly now designated J-35) to complement or succeed the J-15 on catapult-equipped Chinese carriers.

China reportedly is also developing a carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, called the KJ-600, that is similar to the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based E-2 Hawkeye AEW aircraft, and stealth drone aircraft.

Roles and Missions

Although aircraft carriers might have some value for China in Taiwan-related conflict scenarios, they are not considered critical for Chinese operations in such scenarios, because Taiwan is within range of land-based Chinese aircraft. Consequently, most observers believe that China is acquiring carriers primarily for their value in other kinds of operations, and to demonstrate China’s status as a leading regional power and major world power. Chinese aircraft carriers could be used for power-projection operations, particularly in scenarios that do not involve opposing U.S. forces, and to impress or intimidate foreign observers.

Chinese aircraft carriers could also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) operations, maritime security operations (such as anti-piracy operations), and noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs). Politically, aircraft carriers could be particularly valuable to China for projecting an image of China as a major world power, because aircraft carriers are viewed by many as symbols of major world power status. In a combat situation involving opposing U.S. naval and air forces, Chinese aircraft carriers would be highly vulnerable to attack by U.S. ships and aircraft, but conducting such attacks could divert U.S. ships and aircraft from performing other missions in a conflict situation with China.

Based on the US Congressional Reserach Service Report on China Naval Modernisation, Nov 2022

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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.

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