Over the past few decades, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China has largely transformed from a brown-water force to a blue-water navy. The entry into service of a greater number of frigates and destroyers has been complemented by the incorporation and development of new attack and ballistic missile submarines, both conventionally and nuclear-powered. At the same time, in terms of strategic projection, these capabilities are being reinforced with the entry into service of new LHD-type amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers. This last class of capital ships, which are highly complex, represents the foremost means for the Asian Giant to project power over the next decades in the Indo-Pacific region. The latest updates on this matter, originating from PLA political commissars, indicate that the construction of the fourth aircraft carrier is underway, without providing further details.
In recent months, the Political Commissar of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, Admiral Yuan Huazhi, suggested in a legislative session that the design and construction of the force’s fourth aircraft carrier, designated Type 004, are proceeding without difficulties, implicitly indicating that its construction has begun.
Although many data and details remain highly secretive and classified, as information from naval authorities and the Chinese Communist Party, as well as their official media, is scarce, it can be assumed that the design of Type 004 will be heavily based on that of the Type 003 Fujian (CV18). One of the biggest questions surrounding this new aircraft carrier is whether it will have conventional propulsion or, emulating American ships, whether the Asian Giant will take the leap to equip it with nuclear reactors.
Many experts speculate that, following China’s previous decisions in naval construction, naval authorities will prefer a more conservative and incremental approach, opting to equip the Type 004 with conventional propulsion. However, the plans for developing nuclear reactors and adapted propulsion systems presumably continue, given the advantages in terms of speed and autonomy that this technology confers on capital ships.
As for Admiral Yuan Huazhi’s statements, these may be due to the fact that many of the technologies and designs to be applied to the Type 004 will be properly tested on the Fujian, which is currently undergoing its third sea trial. Unlike previous aircraft carriers, such as the Liaoning and Shandong, originally Soviet-designed but adapted and modified to Chinese requirements, starting with the Type 003, the ships will be equipped with electromagnetic catapults, allowing the operation of a more powerful embarked air group. However, as demonstrated by the United States’ Gerald R. Ford class, various technological obstacles must be overcome for this capability to become fully operational.
Finally, it is assumed that, like the previous Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian aircraft carriers, the Type 004 being constructed for the People’s Liberation Army Navy will adopt its official designation by taking the name of one of China’s coastal provinces.
*Cover photo used for illustration: first sea trial of the Fujian (18).
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