China’s next carrier could be its longest – what are Beijing’s plans?
China’s next aircraft carrier could be longer than the US Navy’s largest warship, according to new satellite images that offer fresh clues about how far from home Beijing intends to operate its fleet – and the logistics it will need to do so. Captured on September 4, the images show that work has begun on the bulbous bow of the carrier under construction at Dalian Shipyard in northeastern China,…
China's next aircraft carrier, codenamed the Type 004, could be the longest in the world, potentially surpassing the USS Gerald R. Ford, US Navy's most recent carrier. Satellite images from September 4 reveal construction of the carrier's bulbous bow at Dalian Shipyard in northeastern China. Measurements suggest the carrier will be between 336 to 339 meters long, making it roughly 20 meters longer than the Fujian, China's most advanced carrier currently in service.
This length could accommodate around 75 to 90 aircraft, compared to the Fujian's 50 to 60. Analysts believe the increased size could enable the carrier to operate further from home, supporting a broader range of missions, including those around Taiwan. However, the carrier would still rely on replenishment vessels for fuel and ammunition, as it cannot operate indefinitely without resupply.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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