In recent days, a series of images from China have surfaced showing an apparent “aircraft carrier” undergoing sea trials. Experts suggest that this naval unit differs from other classes of vessels of similar displacement currently in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), raising questions about its purpose and intended use.
Footage of this large vessel went viral, showing it navigating under its own power. The video reveals three structures resembling islands on the starboard side of the flight deck. Additionally, at the bow’s extremity, there is a smaller island featuring a bridge and a traditional mast on top, which appears to host radars and potentially other sensors.
The ship also features a rear-facing bridge, a design element seen in multi-island aircraft carriers to separate flight operations from other complementary functions onboard. The aft-most structure houses a series of exhaust chimneys.
Other details visible in previously released photos include the logo of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). However, no markings or identifiers, such as a hull number, indicate a potential military use. Leaked documents suggest advanced features, including a straight deck without visible catapults, a well-deck compartment, an estimated displacement of 15,000 tons, and an operational range of up to 40 days.
Regarding its construction, experts note that satellite imagery suggests the process might have started after May of this year, with the vessel launched in early September or October. It remains unclear whether this is an entirely new ship or an existing one that was delivered to the shipyard months ago for extensive modifications and upgrades.
Finally, as for the roles of this mysterious ship, experts have proposed several hypotheses: it could be a “light aircraft carrier,” an amphibious assault ship, or even a dual-use platform for both civilian and military missions, such as maritime research or support for amphibious operations. This unique design may signal an expansion of China’s maritime capabilities and experimentation with new technologies that could later be applied to other Chinese military ships. Its recent launch and the start of sea trials may provide further clues about its intended functions in the near future.
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