Chinese Aircraft Carrier Sighted

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Sighted: Insights from US Satellite Imagery. A United States satellite took pictures of a Chinese aircraft carrier at sea on Wednesday. Meanwhile, China’s navy sent its latest aircraft carrier off for a second round of sea trials.

China’s naval strength

China has the world’s largest navy, which includes more than 370 ships and submarines. It also includes three conventional aircraft carriers. China has also recently developed a prototype nuclear reactor, which could potentially be used in future aircraft carriers.

Activities of CNS Liaoning

Satellite images of China’s first operational aircraft carrier, CNS Liaoning, were taken by Landsat 8. The satellite has been developed in collaboration with NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Liaoning, with a displacement of 66,000 tons, was spotted in the Bohai Sea in northeastern China. Earlier, the ship was part of a dual aircraft carrier operation in the South China Sea and has now returned to its base, Qingdao.

Sea trial of CNS Fujian

China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian, on Monday set sail from Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard for its fifth sea trial. The ship weighs 80,000 tonnes and was launched in June 2022. A picture of a commemorative badge has surfaced on social media, indicating that the Fujian will use a catapult-assisted takeoff system during its trials.

Catapult system tested during trials

The badge shows that the Fujian’s electromagnetic catapult system launched two aircraft. Another picture also saw mock-ups of carrier-based aircraft on the Fujian’s flight deck. However, it is not yet clear where the Fujian will conduct its sea trials. In September, it was sent to the Bohai Sea for its fourth sea trial.

The development of China’s navy and its growing capabilities are attracting global attention. Advanced aircraft carriers and their tests are strengthening China’s maritime power. With US satellites monitoring this activity, it is clear that this could have a profound impact on the regional balance of power.