China's Bold Naval Build-Up: Crafting a New Fleet

China is significantly bolstering its naval capabilities. Similarly noteworthy are the testing facilities developed to facilitate this expansion.

Based on satellite photos taken in early April, the Chinese "land-based aircraft carrier," constructed in Wuhan, has received an upgrade. This particular installation has been recognized for quite some time now, with initial pictures surfacing back in 2015.

Initially belonging to the 701st Research Institute under the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation within the PLA Naval Academy, an installation identified via satellite imagery up until 2009 closely resembled Soviet-era Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers. It’s unsurprising since these ships—specifically the former Varyag and Riga—were used as templates for China’s initial pair of aircraft carriers. The Type 001 Liaoning was essentially reconstructed from the Varyag, with the Type 002 Shandong serving as its enhanced successor. Known colloquially as a “concrete aircraft carrier,” this site probably continued to be significant throughout tests conducted for developing features intended for the Type 002.

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The photographs from Hubei province depict a substantial structure exceeding 984 feet in length and 230 feet in width. The roof of this edifice mimics the deck of a medium-sized aircraft carrier, complete with a ski-jump bow design instead of traditional catapult launchers found on numerous smaller carriers. Adjacent to it stands a replica of an island superstructure which serves roles akin to those of a genuine ship’s combat information center, primary command hub, and airborne operations coordination area. Likely designed for functional similarity, this model probably incorporates components nearly identical to what would be present aboard actual vessels. Its purpose appears geared towards evaluating novel communications setups, navigational controls, and administrative strategies pertinent to both the carrier itself and its aerial fleet.

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The functionality of the testing center has been validated through various iterations. Prior to 2015, a prototype—or possibly a test apparatus—of the H/LJQ 382 radar surfaced; this unit was eventually installed on what would become known as the Type 003 vessel, now referred to as Fujian. Further adjustments were noted over time. Additionally, the facility evaluates one of the key components of an aircraft carrier—the onboard aircraft. In 2021, sightings indicated either a mock-up or technological demonstration model of the fifth-generation Shenyang FC-31 multirole fighter jet—which will be produced under the designation J-35 and parallels the U.S.'s F-35C—positioned “on deck.” This new craft is anticipated to supersede the established yet outdated J-15, itself based on Russia’s Su-33 design.

In 2023, observations have been made of the unmanned combat aerial vehicle GJ-11 Sharp Sword on what appears to be a carrier’s deck. Additionally, various other equipment frequently shows up, including helicopters and KJ-600 early warning aircraft. Typically, these sightings involve dummy models, although there are occasional accounts of actual units visiting the area. Notably, this facility remains an active site for development; for instance, back in 2015, a land-based version resembling a large Type 055 destroyer was spotted near the “carrier.”

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In addition, the structure has an educational purpose. As reported by Chinese sources, the facility is utilized for educating naval pilots, technicians, specific deck experts, and officers. It is anticipated that conducting training with a land-based replica of an actual aircraft carrier will be more economical and potentially less risky compared to utilizing a genuine ship.

Modernization: Creation of updated ships?

In its most recent setup, after an extensive renovation, the “vessel” now mirrors the design of the American CVN-78 USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carriers. The deck’s breadth has notably expanded, evident from how far it extends compared to a close-by roadway. Additionally, the superstructure is reshaped and positioned closer to the rear of the ship, similar to those found on the Fords.

Multiple airframes were seen "on deck," presumably during ongoing renovations when the satellite imagery was captured. The altered design of the model ship suggests preparations for the upcoming Type 004 aircraft carrier, anticipated to be quite distinct from previous models. It’s believed this next-generation carrier might feature nuclear power plants, electromagnetic launch systems, along with dimensions and tonnage similar to those of U.S. Ford-class supercarriers. Plans indicate that these carriers could become operational before the current decade ends, with projections estimating around four such ships constructed overall. While this number remains notably lower compared to the extensive fleet maintained by the U.S. Navy—even accounting for earlier prototypes—the enhanced capabilities alongside increased numbers may compel American naval strategists to reassess how they view China’s growing force of aircraft carriers in strategic planning scenarios.

Chinese aircraft carrier program

Beijing began considering building aircraft carriers back in the 1970s, as the state's ambitions and capabilities grew. The work started with acquiring know-how through old ships for thorough examination. The first was the Australian HMAS Melbourne, a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier, which provided valuable information about building ships of this class despite being stripped of key equipment by the owners. It is known, for instance, that its steam catapult was copied and tested using a modified J-8IIG (a developmental version of the MiG-21).

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Later, they purchased Soviet-era Kiev-class aircraft cruisers: Minsk and Novorossiysk. Over time, both were converted for entertainment purposes, but likely after thorough examination. The key acquisition was the unfinished ex-Varyag from Russia in 1998. Due to years of planning, reconstruction, and lack of experience, the ship, rather experimental, entered service only after 14 years as the Liaoning. Seven years later, the Shandong entered service, a ship built based on experience from rebuilding and operating the Liaoning but significantly improved, yet still lagging behind the Nimitz or Ford classes. Improvements included the design of the ski ramp, an expanded hangar, altered island construction, and upgraded equipment.

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The Fujian is significantly larger. Although still smaller than American vessels, it is not by much: it has about 88,000 tons of displacement, about 1,037 feet in length, and about 249 feet in width. The ship is equipped with pioneering electromagnetic catapults, making it a flat-deck vessel. The air group is more numerous, likely comprising over 50 airplanes and helicopters (compared to over 30 on the 001 and 002). The ship is expected to enter service in 2025, provided that sea trials commencing in 2024 proceed successfully.

"Desert aircraft carrier"

For curiosity’s sake, it should be mentioned that China possesses another “land-based aircraft carrier,” which happens to be American. In 2021, satellite imagery provided by Maxar revealed a simulated aircraft carrier constructed within the Taklamakan Desert located in the Xinjiang region. This replica is mobile, positioned along railroad tracks. The U.S. Navy reports that this moveable “inland ship” serves as a platform for testing anti-ship cruise missiles such as the ballistic DF-21 missile. Notably, these replicas appear quite basic compared to others previously documented; they consist primarily of simple overhead profiles devoid of additional structures or fittings. This simplification might suggest that their primary purpose involves assessing target recognition, tracking capabilities, and weapons guidance systems.

Chinese naval might

The creation of newer, progressively bigger aircraft carriers represents merely one aspect of the growth of China’s naval power, albeit perhaps the most impressive. As part of its competition with the U.S. in the Pacific region, China is expanding its fleet by constructing additional vessels such as amphibious assault ships—akin to small aircraft carriers like the recent Type 076 model—as well as various types of submarines (combining both traditional and nuclear propulsion) and sizable destroyers. Additionally, they are producing numerous support craft. This buildup has made them an imposing presence now; however, it raises questions about whether their technological capabilities have yet caught up with those from the West.

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Additionally, the Chinese fleet is tightly contained by US allies, especially Japan and Taiwan, so to break through further, it needs, if not a miracle, then at least a great deal of luck. However, it might perhaps reach Taiwan.

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