The question of how many aircraft carriers China possess is central to understanding the evolving balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. For decades, the United States dominated this category, but the rapid modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has fundamentally altered the maritime landscape. China’s carrier fleet has transitioned from a modest, experimental force to a formidable component of its strategic arsenal, designed to project global power and secure vital sea lines of communication.
From Single Vessel to Growing Fleet
The journey began with the commissioning of the Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier, in 2012. This vessel, a refurbished Soviet-era Kiev-class carrier acquired from Ukraine, served primarily as a training and development platform. It allowed Chinese engineers and sailors to master the complex art of carrier operations, from flight deck procedures to underway replenishment. This foundational experience was critical for the nation, which had virtually no prior experience in building or operating such complex naval assets.
Operational Carriers and Indigenous Development
Following the successful integration of the Liaoning, China commissioned its first domestically built carrier, the Shandong, in 2019. The Shandong represented a significant leap in national capability, incorporating design improvements and technologies refined during the Liaoning’s service. It featured a larger island structure, a more advanced ski-jump ramp, and enhanced internal layout, allowing for a greater operational capacity. This milestone marked China’s transition from a nation that could adapt existing designs to one capable of original, large-scale warship construction.
Liaoning (Type 001): China’s first operational aircraft carrier, used for training and experimentation.
Shandong (Type 002): The first indigenously designed and built carrier, featuring improved aviation facilities.
Fujian (Type 003): The latest carrier, expected to be the largest in the PLAN, featuring an electromagnetic catapult system.
The Emergence of a Major Power
The most significant development in China’s carrier program is the Fujian, which was launched in 2022 and is expected to enter service in the coming years. This vessel is a quantum leap in capability, distinguished by its use of electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear. These systems, similar to those used by the US Navy, will allow the Fujian to launch a wider variety of aircraft, including heavier and more capable fixed-wing early warning and control planes. This upgrade is essential for managing the complex air battlespace and extending the reach of its air wing.
Strategic Goals and Future Projections
China’s carrier fleet is a cornerstone of its strategy to project power far beyond its immediate periphery. The ability to deploy carrier strike groups into the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and even the Mediterranean Sea serves multiple objectives. It provides a visible demonstration of national strength, protects crucial trade routes, and offers a flexible platform for crisis response and humanitarian assistance operations. The PLAN views the aircraft carrier not just as a weapon, but as a symbol of a modern, global maritime power, integral to realizing the vision of a “blue water” navy.
Current estimates indicate that the People’s Liberation Army Navy operates three active aircraft carriers, with a fourth, the Fujian, undergoing final fitting out. Analysts project that China aims to expand its fleet to six or more carriers by 2035, potentially matching the number operated by the United States. This ambitious goal underscores the centrality of sea control in China’s military doctrine and its determination to reshape the regional and global maritime order.
The trajectory of China’s aircraft carrier program is undeniable and accelerating. From the learning phase with the Liaoning to the advanced capabilities of the upcoming Fujian, the PLAN is rapidly closing the gap with established maritime powers. The implications of this growth extend far than the vessels themselves, influencing global security dynamics, economic partnerships, and the overall balance of military influence in the 21st century.
