Construction of Beijing’s super carrier is nearing completion, US experts have said. New satellite images show that this vessel has high-tech technology and can launch planes from the water.
The world’s largest naval force, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), might soon be reinforced with a new aircraft carrier. The huge vessel, which is more than 1,000 feet (over 300 meters) long, will add to China’s two seagoing airbases. This vessel, commonly called the Type 003, is yet to get a formal name. It will be used by Beijing as a means of controlling the Pacific. Fitting several dozen planes, helicopters, and support aircraft, analysts believe the powerful addition to the Chinese army will be at least equal to its US counterparts’ capabilities.
The American Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS revealed that the final touches have been made to supercarrier Jiangnan Shipyard at the Yangtze River. “According to available information, and Jiangnan progress observed at Jiangnan the Type 003 should launch within three to six month.,” its report said.
According to the US analysts, they received satellite imagery from a commercial company that showed the construction site in China. According to the high-quality photographs, steady progress has been made on the carrier’s construction throughout the year, with its main external components now nearly complete.
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Recently, two large deck openings were sealed. This meant that engines could have been installed in the hull. The flight deck, designed to operate heavier aircraft than China’s older carriers, is already fitted with a control tower island, with radars and elevators expected to be added soon. According to reports, Type 003 may be outfitted with a launch system that is similar to one used for US Navy carrier aircraft.
The advanced aircraft carrier was commissioned by the government in late 2019, and is expected to enter service by 2024, according to the Pentagon’s estimates. In its 2021 annual report to Congress on China’s military developments, the US Department of Defense acknowledged Beijing’s growing capabilities, saying China’s navy “An increasingly flexible, modern force has been created that focuses on replacing platforms with limited capabilities by larger, multi-role combatants..”
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The Chinese navy is currently armed with 355 vessels and submarines. This number was reported by the US military. 2.250 combat aircraft are available to the nation’s air force. This includes fighters and strategic bombers.
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