The Pentagon stated in its 24/12 report assessing China's military strength that the Chinese navy will embark on the largest aircraft carrier construction plan in the Indo-Pacific region since World War II. They aim to build six additional carriers by 2035, bringing their total to nine.

China currently operates three aircraft carriers, making it the second largest fleet globally, trailing only the United States. US congressional regulations mandate that the US Navy maintain a force of at least 11 aircraft carriers.

The Fujian aircraft carrier in a photo released on 18/11. *Photo: PLA*

The Pentagon views the sea trials and commissioning of the Type-003 Fujian aircraft carrier, equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (emals), as a significant modernization stride for the Chinese navy. With a displacement of 80,000 tons, the Fujian is the largest warship constructed outside the United States.

The Fujian's air wing is designed to enhance the combat capabilities of the Chinese naval air force, incorporating J-35 stealth fighters and KJ-600 early warning aircraft.

The report states, "The Fujian uses an emals mechanism to assist aircraft take-offs, marking a departure from the ski-jump design found on the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers. Launchers allow carrier-based fighters to take off with greater payloads of weapons and fuel than before, extending their range and combat capabilities."

The Pentagon also believes China has begun constructing its next-generation Type-004 class aircraft carrier. US media reported in 2024 that China developed a prototype nuclear reactor for naval vessels, a step towards its plan for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

The Pentagon also forecasts a significant increase in China's fighter jet exports, with the trio of J-35, J-10C, and JF-17 combat aircraft boosting the country's growing market position.

The US Department of Defense noted, "China's aerospace industry is growing and innovating rapidly. While continuing to introduce manned and unmanned combat aircraft for domestic use, China also plans to export at least three types of fighter jets."

A J-35A fighter jet flies at an airshow in Zhuhai, Guangdong in 11/2024. *Photo: VCG*

The Pentagon also mentioned "two novel flying wing stealth aircraft" recently observed in China, which Western experts refer to as the J-36 and J-XDS. Other notable developments include the J-35A stealth fighter for the air force and the J-15D carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft.

Thomas Newdick, editor of the US military news site War Zone, commented that China's J-35, J-10C, and JF-17 fighter jets, along with many other Chinese weapons, are not subject to the same stringent restrictions as Western defense products.

Newdick stated, "If China can secure export orders for the J-35, it will be a significant development for them to penetrate the high-end fighter market, especially when offered at attractive prices. Foreign orders would offset development budgets and reduce production costs, making Chinese fighter jets even more appealing."

Nguyen Tien (According to USNI, War Zone, AP)