China’s aircraft carrier fleet

China’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier has entered service, enabling Beijing to enhance its naval power in the Indo-Pacific region


FUJIAN: Designed and built entirely in China. Full-length flat flight deck with three electromagnetic catapults, similar to system on latest U.S. carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford

System enables launch of heavier and larger fixed-wing aircraft

Unlike U.S. nuclear-powered carriers, Fujian is conventionally-powered


Catapults
1 2 3 

Length: 316m 

Displacement: 80,000 tonnes

Speed: 31 knots (57km/h) 

Crew: 2,000 (est)


SHANDONG

Commissioned 2019
First indigenously-built aircraft carrier

Length: 305m

Ski-jump: Ramp assists take-off but aircraft cannot launch carrying full fuel and weapon load

Displacement: 60,000 tonnes

Speed: 31 knots (57km/h) 

Crew: 2,000 (est)


LIAONING 
Commissioned 2012
First aircraft carrier reused hull of former Soviet carrier

Length: 305m

Flight deck: 14,700 sq m (80 percent size of U.S. Nimitz-class carrier)

Displacement: 66,000 tonnes

Speed: 29 knots (53km/h) 

Crew: 1,960
  

Sources: Bloomberg, Center for Strategic & International Studies, Reuters 
Picture: Newscom
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