China is advancing the construction of its fourth aircraft carrier, a nuclear-powered supercarrier expected to surpass the U.S. Navy’s Ford-class in size and onboard air power capacity, marking a major escalation in naval capability. This matters because a larger air wing and greater endurance would enable Beijing to sustain longer, more intense air operations across the Indo-Pacific, directly challenging U.S. maritime dominance. The Chinese aircraft carrier is designed to deliver higher sortie generation, extended operational range, and continuous deployment without refueling limits. If realized, it would push China closer to parity in blue-water carrier warfare and accelerate competition in high-end naval aviation. Read full Naval Defense News at this link …
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| Satellite image published in December 2025 by PLA Military Updates on X shows China’s Type 004 nuclear aircraft carrier under construction at Dalian, with an estimated displacement of 110,000 to 120,000 tons and sea trials projected between mid-2028 and early 2029 (Picture source: PLA Military Update X account) |
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