BY:SpaceEyeNews.
For decades, the United States held an uncontested lead in aircraft carrier technology and global maritime projection. But today, that lead is being challenged by an unexpected rival: China’s Type 004 aircraft carrier. This nuclear-powered supercarrier, reportedly under construction, represents the most ambitious naval engineering project China has ever attempted. If the latest reports, satellite imagery, and defense assessments are accurate, the Type 004 could rival—and in some areas potentially match—the mighty Ford-class carriers of the U.S. Navy.
In this article, we explore everything known so far about the Type 004: its size, capabilities, propulsion, technologies, and implications for global naval strategy. Buckle up—this is no ordinary upgrade. It’s a major leap.
From Ski-Jumps to Supercarriers: How China Got Here
China’s journey into carrier development began modestly. The first real step came with the Liaoning (CV-16), a Soviet-designed Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier hull purchased from Ukraine in the late 1990s. Originally named Varyag, the ship was only about two-thirds complete when China acquired it. After years of retrofitting and modernization at Dalian Shipyard, Liaoning entered service in 2016, becoming China’s first operational aircraft carrier.
But Liaoning had major limitations. It employed a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) launch system, relying on a ski-jump ramp instead of catapults. This configuration severely limited aircraft launch weight, takeoff frequency, and mission versatility. Despite these flaws, Liaoning served as an essential testbed for carrier operations, pilot training, and deck management.
Building on that foundation, China launched its second carrier, the Shandong (CV-17), in 2019. Unlike Liaoning, Shandong was constructed entirely in China, making it the country’s first domestically built carrier. Although it retained the STOBAR layout, Shandong reflected clear improvements in systems integration, onboard logistics, and air wing management.
Both ships had a specific purpose: to enable China’s navy to transition from theoretical understanding to practical proficiency in carrier operations. But they were never meant to be the end goal.
Fujian Changed the Game
In 2022, China launched the Fujian (Type 003), a significantly larger and more advanced carrier than its predecessors. At approximately 316 meters in length, with a beam of 76 meters, the Fujian is estimated to displace over 80,000 tons—making it the largest non-American aircraft carrier ever built.
What sets Fujian apart is its adoption of EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems). This allows for the rapid, energy-efficient launch of heavier aircraft—including stealth fighters and airborne early warning planes. With three catapults, Fujian is capable of sustaining up to 120 flight operations per day, nearly double what Shandong or Liaoning can manage.
Its air wing includes advanced aircraft such as the J-15T (improved carrier-based fighter), the next-gen J-35 stealth fighter, and the KJ-600 AEW&C—China’s answer to the U.S. E-2D Hawkeye. These upgrades significantly enhance Fujian’s role in surveillance, regional response, and sustained fleet operations.
This vessel made it clear: China was now designing its carriers from scratch, using indigenous technologies and doctrine. But even Fujian may soon be overshadowed by what’s next.
The Rise of Type 004: Bigger, Smarter, Nuclear
According to satellite imagery and multiple intelligence reports, China has started construction on its fourth aircraft carrier—the Type 004. Unlike its predecessors, Type 004 is expected to be a nuclear-powered supercarrier, with a displacement potentially exceeding 100,000 tons.
This leap to nuclear propulsion is massive. It would mark the first time a nation other than the U.S. deploys a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. China has reportedly developed a marine nuclear reactor prototype at a facility in Sichuan Province, designed specifically for use in the Type 004 and future nuclear-powered naval vessels.
Nuclear propulsion offers unmatched advantages:
- Unlimited operational range
- Extended time at sea without refueling
- More onboard energy for advanced systems
- Support for high-performance radars, EMALS, and directed-energy systems
Early observations at Wuhan’s land-based carrier mock-up show noticeable changes in design. The island (control tower) has been pushed further aft, and the flight deck layout resembles the U.S. Ford-class blueprint, particularly in EMALS placement. These adjustments are believed to help reduce electromagnetic interference between launch systems, radars, and flight operations.
The most striking upgrade? The addition of a fourth EMALS catapult. While the Fujian features three, Type 004 could outpace it with four—potentially allowing for simultaneous launches of fighters, surveillance planes, and drones. This increases sortie rate, air wing responsiveness, and multi-role flexibility.
What Aircraft Will It Carry?
The Type 004 is expected to operate a next-generation air wing that goes far beyond traditional fighter roles. Based on credible leaks and aviation industry projections, its complement could include:
- J-35 Stealth Fighter: A navalized, twin-engine fifth-generation jet with radar-evading capabilities and internal weapons bays.
- KJ-600 AEW&C: An airborne early warning and control aircraft designed to monitor air and sea space over a 400 km radius, providing command-and-control capabilities.
- Carrier-Based UAVs: Including mid-sized reconnaissance drones and potentially high-speed autonomous platforms in development.
- Advanced Electronic Warfare Aircraft: Modeled after the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler, possibly a J-15-based variant with jamming pods and anti-radiation systems.
With these assets, the Type 004 would become not just a launch platform, but a floating command center, capable of coordinating joint operations far beyond Chinese shores.
Where Is It Being Built?
The construction of the Type 004 appears to be occurring at both Dalian Shipyard and Wuhan’s mock-up testing base. Recent high-resolution satellite photos show massive hull modules under assembly in Dalian—larger than those used in Fujian’s build. Simultaneously, Wuhan’s full-scale deck mock-up has been reconfigured with updated features that mirror Ford-class dimensions and catapult spacing.
This dual-location development suggests that Wuhan is being used for testing EMALS alignment, island layout, and flight deck operations—while the actual hull is being assembled in Dalian. This strategy allows China to validate systems before full integration, reducing risk and development time.
Strategic Implications: More Than Just Size
Beyond the engineering feats, Type 004’s greatest impact lies in what it represents: a strategic shift toward long-range, persistent naval presence. Nuclear propulsion enables deployment for months at a time without needing fuel replenishment. Combined with an expanded air wing and electromagnetic launch capability, Type 004 becomes a platform for:
- Humanitarian missions and disaster relief
- Long-duration patrols across the Pacific and Indian Oceans
- Support for global maritime logistics and peacekeeping operations
Its launch will elevate China into an exclusive club, previously occupied only by the U.S., with a true nuclear-powered blue-water navy. By 2030, analysts suggest China could operate three or more carrier strike groups with global reach.
This reshapes how nations across Asia, Africa, and even Europe view maritime partnerships, freedom of navigation, and defense planning.
When Will We See It in Action?
While no official timeline has been announced, credible projections suggest:
- Major hull assembly in Dalian by 2026
- Outfitting and sea trials by 2028
- Initial operational capability (IOC) by early 2030s
As with previous carriers, sea trials will likely last 18–24 months, particularly given the complexity of integrating nuclear systems and EMALS technology.
Meanwhile, satellite monitoring, shipyard analysis, and leaks from within China’s defense sector will offer more insights as construction progresses.
Conclusion: A Carrier That Changes the Game
The Type 004 isn’t just a warship—it’s a statement. It reflects China’s rapid technological growth, strategic ambition, and readiness to operate on a truly global scale. With nuclear power, four EMALS catapults, and a next-gen air wing, it stands poised to become one of the most capable carriers ever built.
From Liaoning’s ski-jump deck to the towering potential of Type 004, China’s naval evolution is unfolding faster than many anticipated. The implications for global balance, sea lane security, and future defense planning are profound.
References:
https://internationaldefenceanalysis.com/dalian-shipyard-type-004-aircraft-carrier-construction/
https://meta-defense.fr/en/2025/07/18/Chinese-aircraft-carrier-type-004-Wuhan/