China’s Ambitious Aircraft Carrier Program: The Road to Six Carriers by 2035

China’s aircraft carriers, including the Fujian, which is currently undergoing mooring tests, effectively are three. From top to bottom: Fujian, Shandong, and Liaoning. /Global Times.

China’s ambitious aircraft carrier project, “Rise of China,” which began in earnest about a decade ago, is now considered to have reached an impressive level. At the current pace, the ambition of operating six carriers by 2035 is a clear reality. Soon, China could surpass Russia in naval power, if not the United States, which is incomparable to any country in naval strength.

According to Beijing sources well-versed in global military information on the 5th, China currently operates two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong. These alone are a significant naval force. However, that’s not all. Considering that the Fujian, which was launched in June 2022, is currently undergoing mooring tests, it is fair to say that China has three carriers. This is a remarkable achievement, considering China had no aircraft carrier until 2012.

Even more surprising is that even though the Fujian, which has been revealed several times through the media and social media this year, has not yet been commissioned, construction of the next aircraft carrier has already begun. It is being secretly built at the Dalian shipyard in Liaoning Province and temporarily named Type 004. But the specs are no joke. Unlike the previous three carriers, which are powered by diesel engines, this one is said to be powered by a nuclear reactor. It’s an entirely different dimension.

The Fujian, which the Chinese authorities seem to be deliberately revealing, is the latest model with a full-load displacement of 88,184.8 tons./Global Times.

The full-load displacement is also expected to be comparable to American aircraft carriers. It is said to be 115,000 tons. Seeing the full-load displacement of the Fujian, the latest of the three currently in possession, of 80,000 tons, no further explanation is needed. Some foreign media report that there will be four electromagnetic catapults.

A nuclear-powered aircraft carrier uses nuclear power as its propulsion. Unlike diesel engine carriers, it does not need frequent fuel supply. Therefore, it also secures more space to carry more weapons and equipment. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it will be the ultimate combat power in China.

According to sources, the Type 004 carrier is estimated to need more than two years before it is commissioned, which is expected to be before 2030. If commissioned as expected, China can form an aircraft carrier fleet and expand its operational range to Wonyang. It will bring China closer to its goal of building an ocean navy with a futuristic vision set for this century. While this could be quite burdensome for the United States, it seems fair to say that China’s aircraft carrier project, “Rise of China,” has become an undeniable reality.