Chinas Aircraft Carrier Fleet How Many Do They Have

China operates one active aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, while its successor, the Shandong, has entered service and a third vessel, the Fujian, is fitting out. This article details the specifications, roles, and strategic implications of the current fleet, examining how these platforms fit into the nation’s broader maritime ambitions.

Current Active Carriers

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) currently has two commissioned carriers in active service. The first, the Liaoning, is a refurbished Soviet-era hull originally constructed for the Soviet Union. The second, the Shandong, is China’s first indigenously designed and built carrier, reflecting years of accumulated expertise in naval architecture and systems integration.

Liaoning (Type 001)

Commissioned in 2012, Liaoning is a modified Kiev-class vessel acquired from Ukraine. It has a displacement of approximately 67,500 tonnes and can operate a mix of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The carrier has served primarily as a training and development platform, allowing the PLAN to experiment with carrier operations, pilot qualifications, and deck procedures. As one senior analyst noted, "Liaoning was essentially a testbed to prove that China could operate complex naval aviation systems at sea."

Shandong (Type 002)

Shandong, commissioned in 2019, represents a significant evolution in design. Slightly larger than Liaoning with a full-length flight deck, it incorporates improved electromagnetic systems, a more efficient island configuration, and enhanced aviation facilities. The vessel is equipped with advanced sensors and command systems, enabling more complex battle group operations. According to PLAN sources, Shandong is intended to act as a core component of regional power projection, providing persistent presence and flexible response options in key maritime domains.

Under Construction and Planned Assets

In addition to the operational carriers, China is actively developing its carrier capabilities. The Fujian, expected to be the largest vessel in the PLAN to date, incorporates cutting-edge technology such as an electromagnetic catapult system and an advanced arresting gear. These features are designed to support a wider array of aircraft, including next-generation fixed-wing early warning platforms, which will markedly improve fleet situational awareness and coordination.

Technological Evolution

The progression from Liaoning to Fujian illustrates a rapid learning curve in carrier technology. Key advancements include:

• Electromagnetic catapults, enhancing launch efficiency and flexibility.
• Improved radar and combat management systems for integrated air defense.
• Enhanced propulsion designs aimed at increasing range and reliability.

These innovations reflect a strategic emphasis on quality over quantity, as the PLAN seeks to develop a smaller number of high-capability carriers rather than a larger fleet of less advanced vessels.

Strategic Implications and Regional Context

The expansion of China’s carrier fleet is part of a broader modernization of the maritime force, aimed at securing sea lines of communication, asserting presence in contested areas, and supporting power projection beyond the immediate neighborhood. Carriers provide a visible symbol of national strength and a mobile platform for air operations across a wide spectrum of contingencies.

Regional analysts highlight that these assets enable the PLAN to maintain persistent surveillance and deterrence in critical zones, including the South China Sea and approaches to key straits. The ability to deploy fixed-wing aircraft from carrier decks extends the range of maritime patrol and strike capabilities, altering the dynamics of power in the Western Pacific.

Comparative Perspective

While China’s carrier inventory remains smaller than that of the United States, the qualitative leap in technology and the pace of development are noteworthy. The PLAN’s focus on integrated carrier strike groups, combining surface combatants, submarines, and air assets, suggests an intent to emulate certain aspects of U.S. carrier-centric operations. This evolution underscores a long-term commitment to building a blue-water navy capable of operating globally.