The construction of the first Chinese aircraft carrier Project 002 is being completed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. The ship has a displacement of 85 thousand tons, electromagnetic catapults and is comparable in capabilities to the latest American aircraft carriers of the Gerald Ford type. After its completion, the shipyard will begin a three-year modernization program, including the creation of a new design center and the expansion of shipbuilding areas. Jiangnan's modernization is linked to plans to build even larger type 003 aircraft carriers. The laying of the main aircraft carrier of the series is expected in 2025, writes Military Watch.
Unlike its American counterparts, the Type 002 is equipped with a non-nuclear power plant. Its capabilities are more than sufficient for conducting combat operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Nuclear Type 003 with a displacement of more than 100 thousand tons is designed to solve global problems far from the Chinese coast. It is expected that in parallel with the ship, a carrier - based transport aircraft will be created for it-an analogue of the American C-2 Grayhound.
One of the main advantages of the largest aircraft carrier in the world (American have a displacement of 90-98 thousand tons) will be the diversity of its wing. It will include J-15B heavy fighters, KJ-600 AWACS aircraft and carrier-based versions of the GJ-11 strike drone.
By 2025, the PLA Navy will have seven aircraft carriers at its disposal: three aircraft carriers of projects 001, 001A, 002 and four landing ships capable of receiving helicopters and vertical landing aircraft. The key to the expansion of the carrier fleet was the high rate of construction of escort ships. Chinese shipyards launch 8-10 destroyers a year. Among them are the ships of the Type 055 project, which are considered leaders in their class.
Anton Valagin
