China’s Aerial Dominance at Sea: The Rapid Rise of Its Growing Aircraft Carrier Fleet

China’s naval ambitions are soaring—literally. Over the past two decades, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has transformed from a regional coastal force into a blue-water type with a rapidly expanding fleet of aircraft carriers. What began with the partly completed *Liaoning* has evolved into a sophisticated, forward-looking armada, positioning China as a principal maritime power with emerging global reach.

This surge reflects not just technological advancement, but a strategic reorientation toward power projection, regional deterrence, and long-term influence across key waterways. The foundation of China’s carrier expansion rests on two operationalunned fleets: the *Liaoning*-class, a converted Soviet-designed platform, and the indigenously built *Chinese Shandong* and the under-construction *Fuqing*-class vessels, which signal a leap in indigenous shipbuilding and seamanship. Today, China operates three major operational carriers and has multiple additional ships under construction, each marking a milestone in naval modernization.

The Three Pillars of China’s Aircraft Carrier Expansion

- **Legacy Foundations and First-Step Ambitions** The *Varyag*, originally a Soviet Kitty Hawk-class carrier acquired in 1998, was refurbished in Russia and commissioned as *Liaoning* in 2012—the nation’s first operational aircraft carrier. Though limited in capability by its aging design and auxiliary support, *Liaoning* proved China’s ability to integrate carrier-based airpower, conducting limited flights of J-15 fighter jets and establishing critical operational experience. - **The *Chinese Shandong*: A Step Further Homebuilt** Launched in 2017 and commissioned in 2020, *Chinese Shandong* represents a generational upgrade with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), improved radar fusion, and expanded flight deck capacity.

Capable of supporting up to 40 aircraft, including J-15 bombers and M-17 surveillance drones, this vessel hosts a more integrated air wing and advanced command systems. Analysts note it “bridges the gap between inherited designs and self-reliant fleet build-up,” offering a tangible projection of China’s growing technical maturity. - **The *Fuqing*-Class: Building a Full-Scale Carrier Nonsuite** Reactors and shipyards in Ningbo are advancing the *Fuqing*-class carriers—designed to rival the size and capability of the U.S.

Nimitz-class. With projected deck lengths exceeding 300 meters and reinforced catapults, these vessels are expected to carry over 50 sorties, supporting both air superiority and precision strike missions. Unlike earlier projects reliant on foreign assistance, *Fuqing*-class units are conceived, engineered, and constructed entirely within China—ushering in true naval autonomy.

Strategic Motivations: Beyond Sea Control

China’s carrier fleet grows not merely for display, but as a critical instrument of national security and geopolitical strategy. The People’s Liberation Army Navy views carriers as mobile command platforms enabling consistent presence in contested regions like the South China Sea and the first island chain. “Carriers allow us to extend operational reach without dependence on foreign bases,” stated a senior PLAN official.

“This fleet is not just about potential—it’s about persistence across strategic chokepoints.” Moreover, the gradual accumulation of carrier capability serves multiple diplomatic and deterrence functions: - Deterring regional rivals by demonstrating sustained maritime presence - Strengthening partnerships through joint exercises with allies such as Pakistan and Russia - Enhancing soft power through international port visits that showcase naval sophistication - Signaling China’s commitment to a sustainable blue-water navy under its “Active Defense” strategy Comparisons to U.S. carrier dominance remain far-fetched; but within the Indo-Pacific, China’s carriers increase its ability to enforce_Air Control Areas_, restrict adversary movements, and support amphibious operations—key capabilities as regional competition intensifies.

Comparative Capabilities and Design Evolution

While China’s carriers lag behind American platforms in integration and electronic warfare maturity, progress is striking.

*Shandong*’s EMALS reduces mechanical complexity and increases sortie frequency. Meanwhile, *Fuqing*-class vessels incorporate modern stealth features, improved radar systems, and enhanced survivability measures. The shift from turbine catapults (used on *Liaoning*) to linear EMALS on newer ships underscores technological leapfrogging.

Yet, limitations persist: limited carrier air wings compared to U.S. carrier strike groups, fewer airborne early-warning assets, and less experienced warrant officers. Nonetheless, according to maritime analyst Dr.

Li Wei, “China’s incremental focus on carrier reliability and mission systems props up long-term strategic resilience—each vessel builds hard-learned capability, layer by layer.”

Impact on Regional and Global Maritime Order

China’s expanding carrier fleet reshapes assumptions about naval power distribution. Historically dependent on U.S. carriers for regional influence, China now projects sustained maritime reach—alleviating vulnerabilities tied to overseas basing.

The PLAN’s aim to field a 120-ship fleet by 2040, with six to eight carriers, suggests a transformation from thinner coastal defenses toward a flexible, globally accessible blue-water force. This evolution influences strategic calculations across Asia: - Increases pressure on U.S. allies to coordinate naval responses - Encourages China’s neighbors to invest in anti-ship systems and asymmetric defenses - Strengthens China’s leverage in territorial disputes, where carrier presence deters rapid military escalation - Fuels an quiet carrier race dynamic with Japan, India, and Australia, propelling regional naval modernization As Dr.

Marcus Chen of the International Institute for Strategic Studies observes, “China’s carriers are not military tools for domination—but instruments of strategic posting.” They project capability without immediate confrontation, enabling gradual influence.

The Human and Industrial Engine Behind the Fleet

The backbone of China’s carrier expansion is its world-class shipbuilding industry, where state-backed yards like Projects أساس (Type 002) and the Central Naval Mechanical Engineering Bureau deliver unprecedented precision and scale. Collaboration between military planners and civilian engineers ensures dual-use innovation—civilian naval technology feeds directly into military application.

But human capital matters as much as hardware. PLA Navy training programs now emphasize carrier crew proficiency, with dedicated simulator facilities and joint exercises mirroring operational conditions. “Every flight, every maneuver on these carriers is a lesson in integrated naval warfare,” notes a carrier operations training officer.

Furthermore, public and political support remains solid within China, framed as essential to national rejuvenation and sovereignty protection. The seafood and fisheries benefits of expanded marine access further align carrier strategy with broader economic interests.

Looking Ahead: The Future of China’s Blue Water Ambitions

China’s growing aircraft carrier fleet embodies a calculated, measured ascent in maritime power.

From a single untested vessel to a diversified carrier force, Beijing balances pragmatism with ambition—modernizing incrementally while expanding strategic reach. Though fully matching U.S. carrier groups remains distant, the cumulative effect is transformative: a navy increasingly capable of sustained operations far from home, shaping Asia’s security outlook for decades.

As geopolitical competition intensifies, the quiet hum of *Chinese Shandong*’s catapults and the steady rhythm of *Fuqing*-class construction symbolize not just engineering prowess, but a deliberate choice to write China’s maritime destiny—one carrier at a time.