The Yomiuri Shimbun (May 12) disclosed that China is thought to be planning to unveil its
third aircraft carrier. It is likely to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, possibly
including an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. It recalled that the PLA Navy (PLAN)
had last month released a promotion video showcasing its first two aircraft carriers, the
Liaoning and Shandong. The video ended with a PLAN officer hinting the launch of the third
carrier is imminent. The newspaper said there is speculation on websites related to the Chinese
military of an early June launch . The new carrier, which is being constructed in a Shanghai
shipyard, will undergo sea trials following its launch, and is expected to be commissioned in
the second half of next year at the earliest. It quoted an Australian military journal to say satellite photos taken on April 19 indicated that the elevators used to move aircraft have been
installed, but the catapult on the deck was covered and appears to be incomplete. Though the
Global Times said the new carrier will possibly feature an electromagnetic aircraft launch
system, the Yomiuri Shimbun quoted a diplomatic source in Beijing who said, “It is doubtful
whether they can supply a sufficient amount of electricity needed for an electromagnetic
catapult system.” The South China Morning Post has said Chinese President Xi Jinping plans
to have at least four aircraft carrier strike groups by 2030. Satellite photos taken in March of a
carrier runway training facility in Liaoning Province showed two FC-31 aircraft, a stealth
fighter currently under development, alongside non-stealth J-15s, prompting speculation that
stealth fighters will be deployed on China’s third aircraft carrier. However, a source quoted in
a South China Morning Post article said J-15s will be deployed on the new carrier.
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