The “carrier five-piece set” refers to a combination of key carrier-based aviation assets: stealth carrier-based fighter jets, multi-role catapult-launched carrier fighters, fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.
On May 9, Jiang Bin, deputy director of the Information Bureau of China’s Ministry of National Defense and a ministry spokesperson, addressed the issue at a press briefing, confirming reports that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has completed its “carrier five-piece set.”
He stated that this configuration represents a critical component in building an integrated carrier strike group combat capability. Jiang added that the development marks an important milestone in the PLA Navy’s efforts to accelerate its transformation and modernization.
Source: Xinhua, May 9, 2026
https://www.news.cn/20260509/f7057b4186ea45e48991080ab976335a/c.html