Twin Carrier Operations Mark New Era in Chinese Naval Power
Recent joint operations between China’s Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers, supported by advanced destroyers and supply ships, demonstrate significant progress in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s blue-water capabilities and carrier strike group operations.
China’s naval modernization has reached a historic milestone with the first-ever dual carrier group exercise involving the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers. This development represents a quantum leap in Chinese naval capabilities and warrants careful analysis of its strategic implications.
Operational Capabilities
The dual carrier operation showcased impressive numbers:
- Over 140 aircraft sorties conducted over two days
- Record-breaking daily sortie rate of 70 aircraft movements
- Advanced J-15 fighters demonstrating improved combat readiness
- Integration of multiple support vessels including Type 055 destroyers
Fleet Composition
The combined fleet represents one of the most powerful naval formations in the Asia-Pacific:
- Two aircraft carriers (Liaoning and Shandong)
- Three Type 055 guided-missile destroyers
- Multiple Type 052D destroyers
- Type 054A frigates
- Two Type 901 supply ships
- Total displacement exceeding 300,000 tons
Strategic Significance
This exercise demonstrates several key developments:
- Enhanced ability to conduct sustained blue-water operations
- Improved carrier aviation proficiency and deck handling
- Sophisticated integration of surface combatants
- Maturation of Chinese carrier doctrine
- Development of indigenous naval aviation capabilities
The exercise took place across multiple sea areas, including operations in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Yellow Sea. This geographic scope demonstrates the PLAN’s growing confidence in conducting extended maritime operations.
Technical Achievements
The carriers demonstrated significant technological progress:
- Advanced radar and combat systems integration
- Indigenous aircraft development with the J-15 fighter
- Improved aerial refueling capabilities
- Enhanced electromagnetic compatibility between vessels
- Sophisticated command and control networks
The success of these operations validates China’s investment in carrier aviation and suggests future developments may include:
- Additional carriers under construction
- More advanced carrier-based aircraft
- Expanded logistics support capabilities
- Enhanced integration with shore-based assets
The achievement is particularly noteworthy as China becomes only the second nation, after the United States, to operate multiple carriers effectively in coordinated operations. This capability significantly enhances China’s ability to project power and protect its maritime interests across the Indo-Pacific region.