China Set for Rapid Expansion and Modernization of its Naval Carrier Force

Key Takeaways:

– The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) expects the fully operational status of its CATOBAR aircraft carrier Fujian by August.
– China plans to launch its larger, more advanced Type 004 CATOBAR carrier following Fujian and start the construction of its fifth carrier in 90 days.
– Type 004 is projected to be operationally ready by 2027, and Type 005 is expected to undergo sea trials in 2027 or 2028, and be operational by 2030.
– PLAN’s advancement is moving at a faster pace than the US Navy, focusing on the development of its force structure, military technology, and modern joint doctrine.

Rapid Naval Power Expansion

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is on a fast track. Its biggest project, the CNS Fujian aircraft carrier, has already completed its second sea trials. These trials test the connection between the pilot and the aircraft carrier crew. The test gave hope that by this August, Fujian will be fully operational. Close on Fujian’s heel is the unnamed Type 004 CATOBAR carrier, a ship set to be bigger and more capable. China plans to start constructing its fifth aircraft carrier within 90 days of Type 004’s launch.

Upcoming Carriers’ Capabilities

The PLAN aims to launch its Type 004 CATOBAR carrier in the near future. This new carrier promises to be bigger and more technically advanced. Its operational readiness is expected around 2027. The Type 005 carrier’s sea trials may kick off as early as 2027 or 2028. The fifth-generation aircraft carrier, which could be operational by 2030, is likely to be nuclear-powered. This comes in the wake of China’s recent completion of a prototype maritime nuclear reactor. Its exact propulsion system, however, won’t be known until late 2026 or early 2027. This entry will add a third CATOBAR carrier to the Wester Pacific before the close of this decade.

A Comparative look at Carriers

CATOBAR carriers hold significant advantages. They can launch much heavier aircraft including airborne early warning control system (AEW-CS) aircraft, tankers, and fully loaded combat aircraft. This means they have more combat power and greater operational reach. They also extend the carrier’s low-altitude surveillance area by over 90-100 nautical miles. It equips them with more potent air battlespace management and control capabilities as compared to non-CATOBAR carriers.

Expansion Beyond Fleet Aircraft Carriers

Other than fleet aircraft carriers, PLAN is keen on advancing its hull-length flight deck ships. A remarkable move in this direction was the launch of Type 076 Helicopter Landing Dock (LHD), the Sichuan. This ship boasts the same aircraft launch system as the Fujian and upcoming fleet carriers. The construction of its sister ship will also commence soon.

Another notable development is an unnamed 696ft long ship that was launched last summer. The ship, endowed with three islands, is built lighter and quicker. Though its exact role remains unknown, possibilities include functioning as a drone carrier or serving in Beijing’s Coast Guard or Maritime Safety Administration.

Scaling Up Technological Might

Technology-wise, the PLAN is looking to step up its game. It has two catapult-launch/arrested landing capable aircraft in production; the KJ-600 AEW-CS and the J-15T. Besides, the production of the fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter will significantly shape the future technological capability of the PLAN carrier aviation force. That said, the PLAN is markedly smaller compared to the US Navy. However, it is developing, upgrading, and modernizing at a pace that is visibly quicker.

Understanding the Position

True, the PLAN can’t compete with the US Navy in terms of size at the moment. But the fact that it’s expanding and modernizing much faster is something to note. At its current pace, the PLAN-USN force ratio will tilt more in China’s favor than America’s by 2035. The PLAN’s progress should be monitored closely. Ignoring it could lead to unforeseen consequences. China has made exponential strides in its military capabilities over the last three decades, closely studying militaries from the US and other western nations. Therefore, the continuous and comprehensive strengthening of its naval force is something that the world should pay attention to.

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