China’s Type 004 Aircraft Carrier Takes Shape at Dalian Shipyard

+ ADD ZONA MILITAR TO

Why add us? Get the latest from Zona Militar in your Google feed.

JOIN THE WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Join our official WhatsApp channel and receive news as it happens.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is continuing to build its fourth aircraft carrier, provisionally designated Type 004, at the Dalian shipyard. Newly released satellite imagery reveals substantial progress on the vessel’s hull. Construction has been under way since at least 2024, and the ship marks the next stage in the development of Chinese naval aviation. It may also introduce a capability not previously seen in the Asian giant’s navy: nuclear propulsion.

👉 Read also: Air Force secures its strategic ISR capability through a new support contract for its MQ-9A Predator B

The latest images, dated 21 August, show a bow that is considerably more complete than in previous imagery. Estimates based on satellite photographs place the hull at roughly 320 metres long and 46 metres wide. These dimensions may still increase as construction continues and the structure above the waterline is completed.

Type 004 and the prospect of nuclear propulsion

Its nuclear propulsion system is undoubtedly among the most debated aspects of the project so far. Images captured throughout the various construction phases reveal at least two structures with features consistent with compartments intended to house nuclear reactors. This arrangement bears broad similarities to that employed on US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Nevertheless, China has yet to officially confirm that the Type 004 will use nuclear propulsion.

CATOBAR configuration and electromagnetic catapults

In terms of its layout, every indication suggests that the new aircraft carrier will follow the path set by the Fujian. It is expected to move away from the ski-jump launch system used by the Liaoning and Shandong, instead adopting a catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) arrangement. It is also anticipated to feature electromagnetic catapults, known as the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), a technology already installed aboard the Fujian.

Future carrier air wing

Finally, the development of the future fourth aircraft carrier is also progressing alongside the evolution of its embarked air component. In this regard, the People’s Liberation Army Navy is currently developing a new generation of aircraft intended to operate from its carriers. These include J-35 stealth fighters, the J-15 family of carrier-based fighters, and the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft. These platforms could be joined by electronic warfare variants, helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems adapted for naval operations.