China's rapid development in naval engineering is highlighted by the launch of its third aircraft carrier, the Type 003, on June 17, 2022. The Type 003, currently being fitted out at Shanghai's Jiangnan Shipyard, features a 'catapult assisted take-off but arrested recovery' (CATOBAR) launch system, powered by an electromagnetic system similar to that of the U.S. Navy's new Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. With a displacement of around 80,000 tonnes, the Type 003 is larger than its predecessors and France's Charles de Gaulle carrier, but smaller than the U.S. Navy's Ford-class carrier. Unlike all U.S. carriers and France's Charles de Gaulle, the Type 003 is conventionally powered rather than nuclear-powered. The vessel is currently undergoing mooring tests and will soon embark on its maiden voyage. [52a11602]
New satellite imagery reveals a mock-up aircraft carrier in Wuhan, China. Located at the China Ship Design and Research Center, the mock-up features four mock-ups of fighter jets on top. It is believed to be pivotal for testing new Chinese radar capabilities and is speculated to be part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) future air wing composition. The mock-up is primarily used for testing and training purposes. [1709fb0f]
China's naval modernization efforts have made the People's Liberation Army Navy the largest in the world by hull count, with 370 ships. This includes the Type 003 aircraft carrier and the mock-up in Wuhan. The Type 003's CATOBAR launch system and conventional power source represent significant advancements in China's naval capabilities. The mock-up in Wuhan showcases China's commitment to developing its own aircraft carrier technology and testing new radar capabilities. [05b8ce4f]
China's new aircraft carrier, the Fujian, flew a signaling flag during its first sea trials in May 2024. Contrary to false claims circulating on social media, the flag seen on the vessel was not a Japanese flag but a signaling flag used for communication between ships. The China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the manufacturer of the vessel, confirmed that the flag corresponds to the number '1' in the International Code of Signals system. The triangular flag with a red circle is distinct from Japan's 'rising sun' flag, which is usually rectangular with a height to width ratio of 2:3. The false claims misidentifying the flag were debunked by the ship's manufacturer, stating that the flags were signaling flags hung in accordance with the International Code of Signals and had nothing to do with the 'sun' flag. [319fc1cb]
In contrast, a fire broke out on the decommissioned aircraft carrier Minsk during renovations in Nantong, China. The blaze started on Friday afternoon and was still burning on Saturday. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and there have been no reported casualties. The Minsk, which was part of the Soviet and Russian navy fleet from 1978 to 1994, has been moored in China since 2016. It was previously a tourist attraction in Shenzhen and was later moved to Nantong as part of plans for a defense education center. The vessel has changed ownership multiple times in China and was intended to be the centerpiece of a theme park, but the plan did not come to fruition. China has acquired several decommissioned aircraft carriers from other countries, including the Varyag, which was adapted to become China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. The Minsk still holds military significance despite being stripped of much of its equipment. It previously caught fire in 1999 during refitting in Guangzhou. [0ce8a245]
China's naval modernization and the significance of the Wuhan aircraft carrier mock-up
Fire on decommissioned aircraft carrier in China