Reuters
SCMP: China will build 4 nuclear aircraft carriers in drive to catch US Navy, experts say
* Beijing expected to have at least six aircraft carrier battle groups by 2035 after it prioritised modernising its navy
* Nuclear-powered carriers thought to be equipped with electromagnetic launch catapults similar to those of the US
Four of at least six aircraft battle groups China plans to have in the water by 2035 will be nuclear-powered, as the Asian giant tries to equal the US in naval strength, according to Chinese military experts.
The specialists said that after decades of trying to close the gap, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s hardware might by then be closer to matching the world’s leading superpower in aircraft carrier technology – but it would still lag in real combat experience.
All of China’s new carriers were expected to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults similar to those used by the United States, the experts said. The US’ electromagnetic aircraft launch system, known as EMALS, can launch more aircraft more rapidly than the older diesel systems.
China has one aircraft carrier in service – the Liaoning, commissioned in 2012 – and the Type 001A, the first carrier built in the country, which is still being tested.
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WNU Editor: It looks like China is going to sell its first aircraft carrier the Liaoning to Pakistan .... China to sell an aircraft carrier to Pakistan (Navy Recognition).
More News On Reports That China Will Build 4 Nuclear Aircraft Carriers By 2035
China to build four nuclear aircraft carriers by 2035, report says -- UPI
China Military News: 4 New Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carriers By 2035 -- IBTimes
China to build four nuclear aircraft carriers to catch up with US Navy: report -- Indian Express
