China’s fourth aircraft carrier, believed to be its first nuclear-powered carrier, could be launched in 2027 or early 2028, according to the latest assessment by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.
A 2027 launch of the new carrier would coincide with the centenary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, a historic milestone at which Beijing often unveils major achievements in advanced military technology.
Satellite images taken in October are described as showing the Type 004 under construction at a shipyard in Dalian, northeastern China. It is estimated to measure about 322 to 327 metres long and 46 metres wide, comparable in size to the US Navy’s largest aircraft carriers.
The Type 004 is expected to feature an electromagnetic aircraft launch system and nuclear propulsion, enabling it to operate for longer periods and farther from its home waters.
A Pentagon report estimated that China aims to build as many as nine aircraft carriers by 2035. Article: រិទ្ធី
