Satellite images show how work on China’s new Type 002 aircraft carrier is coming along
- Photos released by US think tank give clues as to how country’s first domestically designed carrier will take shape
- Chinese navy is looking to expand its strength and presence but currently has only one active carrier, which originated in the former Soviet Union
Newly released satellite images show how work on China’s first domestically designed aircraft carrier has been progressing and provide some clues as to how the vessel will take shape.
The images, dated to April 17 and released by the US think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on Tuesday, lift the lid on the construction work at the Jiangnan Shipyard outside Shanghai.
The carrier, known as the Type 002, will be China’s third.
The centre’s ChinaPower analysis said: “While details regarding the Type 002 are limited, what is observable at Jiangnan is consistent with what is expected for the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s third aircraft carrier.”
China is trying to build up a navy that can operate globally and support its maritime security, but so far it only has one aircraft carrier – the Liaoning, a second-hand vessel from the former Soviet Union.