Satellite imagery indicates that Beijing might already be working on its fourth aircraft carrier—and this carrier is likely to be nuclear-powered.
China presents the highest threat to U.S. national security, according to U.S. defense and intelligence officials.
The Chinese military is undergoing a rapid modernization, adding capabilities and technologies across its services. Perhaps the most significant transformation is taking place in the People’s Liberation Army Navy, which is adding more and better surface combatants, submarines, and support ships. This transformation is best evidenced by the growing Chinese aircraft carrier fleet.
China’s Growing Aircraft Carrier Fleet
For years now, Beijing has sought to create a blue-water navy that can conduct global operations, much like the U.S. Navy or the Royal Navy. Although several different types of vessels are necessary for a functional and effective blue water navy, aircraft carriers represent the crown jewels of such a fleet. Not many countries have them, but the ones that do can project power across the world at an impressive level.
The Chinese Navy has three aircraft carriers, two operational and one undergoing sea trials. For the sake of comparison, the U.S. Navy operates 11 aircraft carriers—and, indeed, is required by law to maintain that number at all times, barring extraordinary circumstances.
The first two Chinese flattops, the Liaoning (Type 001) and Shandong (002) are no direct match for the American supercarriers of the Nimitz and Ford classes. The Liaoning (Type 001) is actually a refurbished version of Russia’s notorious Admiral Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier, while the Liaoning is brand-new but shares the same structure. The two carriers use a Short Take-off, Barrier-Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) catapult system that utilizes a ramp at the stern of the vessel to help propel fighter jets into the sky. In contrast to the more advanced Catapult-Assisted Take-off, Barrier-Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) system—which all U.S. carriers use—STOBAR configurations necessarily limit the number and type of aircraft that can operate on the carrier.
The Chinese Navy’s third aircraft carrier is the Fujian (003). This is the most advanced flattop Beijing has, and sports a CATOBAR system. The catapult system—the heart of a carrier that determines how fighter jets and other aircraft are launched. This is also the first carrier designed and built solely in China. For several months now, the aircraft carrier has been conducting sea trials to test its structural and operational abilities. Although there is no exact date for when the flattop will be operational, its operational debut is getting closer.
However, the Chinese Navy is not satisfied with three aircraft carriers, and is already working on more flattops. According to satellite imagery, its newer vessels are likely to be a closer match to the capabilities of the most advanced carriers in the U.S. Navy.
Beijing’s Mysterious Type 004 Aircraft Carrier
Satellite imagery indicates that Beijing might already be working on its fourth aircraft carrier, the 004 ship. What differentiates the likely 004 from the Fujian (003) is the number of catapults. Instead of three catapults, the 004 will likely have four—thus matching the configuration on board the USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest U.S. carrier and lead ship of the Ford class.
Moreover, the 004 carrier could use nuclear energy to operate, marking another upgrade compared to existing flattops in the Chinese Navy.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock / Dave Colman.
