Chinese military: fourth aircraft carrier likely to be nuclear powered, sources say
- ‘Shipbuilders and ship propulsion engineers are keen on making a significant breakthrough’, person close to PLA Navy says
- But opting for a nuclear power system would be a ‘bold decision that is full of challenges’, second source says
After a two-year delay because of technical problems, construction work on the vessel resumed earlier this year, the South China Morning Post reported in January, citing a military source.
“Shipbuilders and ship propulsion engineers are keen on making a significant breakthrough with the construction of the fourth carrier,” a source close to the Chinese navy said on condition of anonymity.
“It will be a technological leap for the shipbuilding industry … but construction may take longer than for its sister ship due to the different propulsion systems.”
China already has two operational aircraft carriers and a third – to which the source was referring – is expected to be launched this year. None are nuclear powered.
A second source, who also asked not to be identified, said the Central Military Commission was studying a proposal by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to use nuclear power for the fourth carrier.