Images of hull sections suggest progress on China’s fourth aircraft carrier
Warship known as the Type 004 is believed to be under construction at a shipyard in Dalian, though it has yet to be confirmed by Beijing
Commercial satellite images posted to Chinese social media show new hull sections at the shipyard in Dalian, Liaoning where the warship – known as the Type 004 – is believed to be being built.
The hull sections are visible in the satellite imagery from late September but were not seen in images from August.
Other hull sections believed to be for the Type 004 were first seen at the site – where China’s first two aircraft carriers were also built – in May 2024, according to images shared on social media in February.
Military observers have since been closely watching commercial satellite imagery of the shipyard for signs of progress.
Previous satellite images from the Dalian shipyard have shown models of the navy’s aircraft carrier-based J-15 fighter jet and Z-8 helicopter.
While Beijing has never officially confirmed the existence of the Type 004, the project is widely believed to be under way. On the development of aircraft carriers, the defence ministry has said only that “comprehensive assessments will be made based on national security requirements and the progress of equipment and technology”.