China building third aircraft carrier: think tank
Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday.
ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.
The bow and hull are already under assembly, the pictures indicated, and are likely to be the beginnings of the 80-85,000 tonne Type 002 aircraft carrier the Chinese navy has been known to be planning.
‘Visible through the clouds and mist is what looks to be a bow and main hull section of a large vessel,’ ChinaPower said. ‘While details regarding the Type 002 are limited, what is observable at Jiangnan is consistent with what is expected for the People's Liberation Army Navy's third aircraft carrier.’
China's first carrier, the three decade-old, 66,000 tonne Liaoning, was acquired from Russia.
The second, a home-built carrier designated Type 001A and based on the Liaoning's design began sea trials, one year ago.
ChinaPower said that, based on the photos, the Jiangnan shipyard appears to be building a new tower crane, a floodable ship basin and a launching channel to accommodate the huge new carrier.
In a report published online, ChinaPower said the carrier is expected to be completed in 2022.
In January a senior Chinese naval expert said the country needs ‘at least’ three carriers to defend its coastline and global interests. ‘Our country has an 18,000 km (11,000 mile) long coastline. Also, our economy is outward looking and our interests abroad are growing,’ said Commodore Zhang Junshe, a member of the Naval Research Institute.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
