China has achieved milestones recently in developing aircraft-carrier operations and has been parading some notable capabilities. However, what they represent and exactly what the trajectory of China’s carrier force will be remains uncertain.
In October 2024, China brought together at sea for the first time its two operational aircraft carriers, the Liaoning (Type 001) and Shandong (Type 002), for ‘dual-carrier’ manoeuvres with their accompanying escort groups. Their embarked air groups also reflected a growing capability. Beijing’s latest and potentially most-capable carrier, the Fujian (Type 003), has also undertaken successive sea trials, the first of which began on 1 May 2024. Yet, notwithstanding the choreography of recent developments, questions remain over the future trajectory and operational effectiveness of China’s carrier force.
All at seaThe People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) bringing together its first two operational carriers at sea, accompanied by escorts such as three Type-055 cruisers, a number of Type-052D destroyers and the two Type-901 large auxiliaries, marked a moment of at least symbolic significance. The imagery of the gathering alone sent a message about Beijing’s regional power-projection ambition. Whether by coincidence or not, this is often how the United States Navy parades its ability to bring multiple carriers together, including, on occasion, with allies and partners.
What is unclear is the extent to which, beyond a photo opportunity, this represents an actual capacity to conduct complex multi-carrier operations. The US Navy has far greater experience honed over decades, at a higher level of capability centred on a large force of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, now being joined by the new-design Gerald R. Ford-class of vessels. Nevertheless, the PLAN’s incremental development of its carrier operations for now more than a decade shows China’s clear intent to evolve such a capability.
The air groups on board the carriers also appeared to include the new catapult-capable Shenyang J-15T combat aircraft and the J-15D electronic-warfare variant. The J-15T and the J-15D were on display also at the recent Zhuhai Airshow, along with China’s second low-observable combat-aircraft design, the Shenyang J-35, which appears destined for both the navy and the air force.
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