China currently has two aircraft carriers in active service. The first one, the Liaoning, was commissioned in 2012 and is a refurbished Soviet-era vessel. The second one, the Shandong, was launched in 2019 and is domestically built. These aircraft carriers represent China’s efforts to modernize its navy and expand its maritime capabilities.
Analysis of China’s Aircraft Carrier Fleet
China’s aircraft carrier program is seen as a symbol of its growing military power and ambition to become a global maritime force. The addition of aircraft carriers allows China to project power beyond its shores and protect its maritime interests. However, compared to the United States, which has a much larger and more advanced fleet of aircraft carriers, China’s two carriers are still considered relatively limited in terms of capabilities and experience.
Future Expansion and Challenges
China has plans to build more aircraft carriers in the coming years, with reports suggesting that it aims to have a total of at least six carriers by 2035. This expansion will likely pose challenges in terms of technology, training, and coordination. Building and operating aircraft carriers require a high level of expertise and resources, and China will need to overcome these obstacles to realize its ambitions of naval dominance in the region.
Ultimately, China’s aircraft carrier fleet is a key component of its naval modernization efforts and reflects its aspirations to become a major maritime power in the 21st century.