Radio Free Asia (RFA) recently reported that, based on the latest satellite images, China is building its fourth (Model 004) aircraft carrier in Dalian Shipyard. China’s third aircraft carrier (Fujian) just completed its sixth sea test in January this year. The new and fourth carrier may be equipped with four catapults and will use nuclear power, which is similar to the U.S. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
Satellite imagery of the ship under construction was captured in May 2024 and has recently been released. It is expected that the carrier-based aircraft groups for the Model 004 carrier will include: the J-35 stealth fighter, an improved version the of J-15, a KJ-600 carrier-based early warning aircraft, the GJ-11 “Sword” stealth unmanned fighter, and various carrier-based helicopters and drones. The 004 aircraft carrier may be equipped with two waist catapults, as well as two bow catapults, matching all U.S. aircraft carriers currently in service. It is becoming clearer that China wants to become a global power, and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier force is an essential policy tool for that goal.
Analysts indicated that the gap in the development of aircraft carriers between the United States and China is narrowing. The U.S. manufacturing capabilities for shipbuilding and aircraft-building have lowered due to the overall decline in the U.S. manufacturing capacity. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the process of globalization has caused a hollowing out the U.S. manufacturing industry.
Source: RFA, February 18, 2025
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/zhengzhi/waijiao/2025/02/18/china-fourth-aircraft-carrier/