The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is expected to launch its fourth aircraft carrier in the near future. This new vessel, which has not yet been officially named, is anticipated to be a significant advancement from China's previous carriers, incorporating more advanced technology and design features.
The first three Chinese aircraft carriers are the Liaoning (Type 001), which was originally built as the Soviet carrier Varyag but completed by China and commissioned in 2012; the Shandong (Type 002), which is similar in design to the Liaoning but with some improvements and was launched in 2017 and commissioned in 2019; and the Fujian (Type 003), which is China's first domestically designed and built carrier with a flattop deck and catapult launch system, and was launched in June 202
The forthcoming fourth carrier is expected to feature electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), which allow for faster and more efficient launching of aircraft compared to traditional steampowered catapults. This would enable the PLAN to operate a wider range of aircraft, including heavier and more capable fixedwing aircraft, and potentially increase the number of sorties per day.
The new carrier is also likely to incorporate enhanced radar systems, improved command and control capabilities, and advanced defensive systems. It will further bolster China's bluewater naval capabilities and demonstrate its growing ambition to project power beyond its coastal waters.
As of my knowledge cutoff date in early 2023, specific details about the launch schedule and capabilities of the fourth carrier have not been officially confirmed by the PLAN or the Chinese government. However, given the progression of China's carrier program, it is reasonable to expect that this next carrier will represent another step forward in China's efforts to develop a modern and powerful bluewater navy.
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