Powering On

Atul Chandra

China now has two aircraft carriers in service, CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong, which along with the amphibious assault ship CNS Hainan, are operationally deployed with the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Type 001A, at the shipyard of Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd in Dalian city of Northeast China’s  Liaoning province in April 2018

The construction of the PLAN’s third flattop (Type 003) is well advanced. It will be larger than its existing two flattops. Experts estimate that at 80,000 tonnes, it is the largest warship ever built in China. Reports in Chinese media have indicated that the PLAN is looking to operate six aircraft carriers along with their supporting battle groups in the future. China is making rapid strides in military technology and its intention to operate six aircraft carriers coupled with a proven ability to build naval warships at a rapid pace, could see it emerge as second only to the mighty US Navy by the end of this decade.

Gathering Pace

China is not alone in building its aircraft carrier capabilities. Next generation aircraft carrier programmes are now underway in the US, France and South Korea. India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), in the 40,000 tonne class, is slated to be commissioned as INS Vikrant next year. The construction of the PLAN’s third aircraft carrier is expected to be completed by the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai in 2023.

In its progress report on the PLAN’s Type 003 carrier released in July, the Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) stated that based on available satellite imagery, ‘construction of the carrier’s flight deck, basic superstructure, and sponsons is nearly complete,’ and that it would be ready for launch later this year. The CSIS report also confirmed key elements of the Type 003 flattop, which is estimated to be nearly 320m long.

The new aircraft carrier’s flight deck will feature three catapult-assisted launch systems and according to the CSIS report, ‘two aircraft elevators appear to be several meters wider than those of its predecessor, the Shandong.’ The Type 003’s island which houses the command center for flight deck operations along with radar and communication equipment also appears to have a smaller footprint compared to the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong.

Upgraded Air Power

A new carrier-based fighter aircraft in the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation 5^th generation single-engine FC-31 is expected to operate from the Type 003. Recent news reports emerging from China, showed a full-size mock-up of the FC-31 on a full-size aircraft carrier model built on land. The introduction of a stealthy fighter with near 5th generation capabilities on a PLAN aircraft carrier will dramatically upgrade their offensive capability.

The PLAN will also look to operate the FC-31 in close concert with land-based J-20 fighter jets belonging to t