PLAN aircraft carrier sea trials on schedule
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is conducting sea trials of its latest Type 001A aircraft carrier, the Shandong (Hull 17), according to the Chinese Ministry of National Defence.
The vessel is the first indigenously built aircraft carrier for the PLAN. It left the Dalian Shipyard in Liaoning Province on 25 May on its maiden voyage.
Performance of its weapons system and equipment will be assessed, which will also support the training effort of its crew.
Several J-15 fighter jets are being used throughout the sea trials, which could be seen taking off and landing from the Shandong in a video released on the MND website. Alongside the J-15, the Z-9, Z-18 and Z-20 helicopters can also be accommodated on its flight deck.
Shephard Defence Insight reports that construction on the aircraft carrier began in November 2013 and it was officially commissioned by President Xi Jinping in December 2019.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.