China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier gets brand new command centre

China’s only aircraft carrier in service is undergoing its first major revamp since it was commissioned in 2012, giving it a brand new “island” command centre.

Pictures circulating on the internet show the radar above the Liaoning’s bridge is now gone, as is air traffic control at the island’s rear, with scaffolding around the command centre suggesting there are more changes to come.

According to Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie, the new structures are likely to be similar to those on the country’s second aircraft carrier, the Type 001A – the first developed in China.

That as yet unnamed warship was built in a Dalian shipyard next to where the Liaoning is berthed and began a final sea trial on Sunday, heading out to the Yellow Sea. Its design is based on the Liaoning but with a number of modifications.

On the new carrier, the air traffic control tower is smaller and the entire island area is also taller and narrower than the Liaoning’s, leaving more space on the flight deck for aircraft operations. The tower windows are also notably bigger than those on the Liaoning, providing a broader view.

The Liaoning’s old air traffic control tower had much smaller windows that obstructed the view, affecting command over take-offs and landings on the deck.