China has started construction of its fourth aircraft carrier, the Type 004, which will be the Chinese Navy’s first nuclear-powered carrier.
This will allow the country to conduct long-term global military operations without the need for refueling. Satellite images of the dry dock at the Dalian shipyard indicate that the keel-laying ceremony could take place around mid-2025.
The ship is expected to have a displacement between 110,000 and 120,000 tons, making it the largest warship ever built in Asia. It will be capable of carrying more than 90 aircraft, including J-15T and J-35 fighters, KJ-600 early warning aircraft, anti-submarine warfare planes, and attack drones.
An electromagnetic catapult system will allow heavy aircraft to launch with full combat load, significantly enhancing its capabilities compared to previous Chinese carriers.
The Type 004’s escort will include Type 055A/B destroyers, Type 054B frigates, and Type 095 nuclear submarines. The carrier will serve as a joint operations hub, with advanced command, control, and integrated air defense systems, potentially surpassing the US Aegis system.
Meanwhile, China is testing the world’s largest underwater drones, over 40 meters long, comparable to conventional submarines and much larger than the US Navy’s extra-large unmanned vehicles.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @alfred_shum4973 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The fighters on the 004 Carrier *Possible*
The J-50 could be carrier based, why?
It has two frontal wheels, for a medium sized jet with this configuration, likely carrier based https://t.co/IrDcUcAarc— PLA Military Updates (@alfred_shum4973) September 29, 2025
