China’s Next Aircraft Carrier Is Taking Shape

Summary

China is actively constructing its fourth aircraft carrier, designated the Type 004, at the Dalian Shipyard in Liaoning province, with recent satellite imagery confirming significant progress including a more complete bow section. The vessel is already measuring approximately 1,050 feet in length and 151 feet in beam at its current stage, dimensions that are expected to grow substantially as construction continues toward completion, making it larger than any of China's three existing carriers and comparable in scale to the U.S. Navy's Gerald R. Ford-class supercarriers. Strong evidence gathered from satellite imagery suggests the Type 004 will be China's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, as structures consistent with reactor containment systems have been identified, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. Like its predecessor the Fujian (Type 003), the Type 004 is expected to feature a CATOBAR configuration with electromagnetic catapults, which would particularly benefit from nuclear power generation capabilities. Much about the carrier's final design, full capabilities, and air wing composition remains unknown, though available evidence and official Chinese renderings suggest a modern configuration broadly aligned with current global carrier design trends.