Shandong Aircraft Carrier: China’s First Domestically Built Warship

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The Shandong is the first aircraft carrier, manufactured by China

In just over a decade, China has rapidly transformed its navy from a fleet with no aircraft carriers into one that now operates some of the world’s most closely watched warships. Leading this transformation is the Shandong aircraft carrier—China’s first domestically built flattop and the second carrier in the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The Type 001A Shandong is more than a warship; it is a powerful symbol of China’s rising naval ambitions, technological advancement, and growing influence across the Indo-Pacific. As regional tensions escalate, the Shandong stands as a turning point in China’s maritime strategy, reshaping naval dynamics not only in Asia but globally.

Shandong Aircraft Carrier: Key Specifications

General Information
Country of Origin	China
Entered Service	2019
Crew	~2,000
Aircrew	~500
Flag Staff	~126
Sea Endurance	90 days (est.)
Dimensions and Displacement
Length	315 m
Beam (Waterline)	38 m
Beam (Deck)	72 m
Draught	~11 m
Flight Deck Length	304.5 m
Flight Deck Width	72 m
Hangar Deck Length	153 m
Displacement (Standard)	~48,000 tons
Displacement (Full Load)	~64,000 tons
Propulsion and Speed
Speed	31 knots
Range	25,928 km at 14 knots
Propulsion	8 x steam boilers, 4 x steam turbines (200,000 shp), 4 shafts
Aircraft
Airwing	Up to 44 aircraft and helicopters
Fixed Wing	32 x J-15 series fighters
Helicopters	6 x Z-18F, 4 x Z-18J, 2 x Z-9C
Armament
Artillery	3 x Type 1130 30 mm CIWS
Missiles	3 x HHQ-10 SAM launchers

From Idea to Reality: The Long Road to Carrier Capability

Beijing considered building an aircraft carrier for decades. Initially constrained by political hesitation and industrial capacity, China’s shipbuilding sector gradually matured, enabling larger and more complex naval projects. Early carrier proposals date back to March 11, 1987, when the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense—supported by PLAN Commander Liu Huaqing—advocated for a carrier and new nuclear submarines.

That same year, China demonstrated interest in carrier operations by launching a J-8 II fighter from the deck of the decommissioned HMAS Melbourne, previously acquired from Australia. Although the jet was ill-suited for carrier ops, the success inspired further developments.

Foreign Influence and Early Acquisitions

In the mid-1990s, China negotiated with Spain’s Empresa Nacional Bazan over potential aircraft carrier designs. While no ship was purchased, China gained valuable technical insights through consulting agreements.

The most significant acquisition came in 2001 with the arrival of the unfinished Soviet Varyag carrier from Ukraine. After extensive retrofitting, it was commissioned as the Liaoning in 2012. This vessel served as a crucial training platform, but its limitations made clear the need for a fully indigenous carrier.

Shandong Takes Shape: Type 001A’s Development

While the Type 001A’s development timeline remains partially classified, the keel was officially laid on March 26, 2015, at the Dalian Shipyard. The vessel was launched on April 26, 2017, under hull number 17, and sea trials began in 2018. The ship was commissioned in 2019 as the Shandong.

Though inspired by the Kuznetsov-class design, the Shandong is significantly modified and enhanced, featuring:

• A wider, broader flight deck
• A more compact and streamlined island (conning tower)
• Three deck-edge elevators for improved aircraft handling
• Dual exhaust deflectors and a ski-jump bow for faster aircraft launches

Design Features and Specifications

Size and Layout

• Length: 304.5 meters
• Beam (widest point): 72 meters
• Flight deck area: 14,800 m²
• Displacement: Approx. 70,000 tons

The ship includes a hangar deck (153 x 26 x 8 m) and three elevators (20 x 15 m), each capable of lifting up to 40 tons.

Propulsion and Range

The Shandong is conventionally powered by eight oil-fired boilers, generating steam for four turbines that produce 200,000 shp, allowing speeds up to 31 knots (57 km/h). She has a range of approximately 14,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Air Wing: Projecting Chinese Power at Sea

The Shandong’s STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system launches aircraft using a ski-jump and recovers them via arrestor cables.

The carrier supports up to 44 aircraft, including:

• 32 J-15 Flying Shark fighters (air superiority role)
• 6 Z-18F anti-submarine warfare helicopters
• 4 Z-18J airborne early warning helicopters
• 2 Z-9C utility helicopters

Sensors, Electronic Warfare, and Self-Defense Systems

Radar and Detection Systems

• Type 346 AESA radar ("Dragon Eye"): C-band and S-band detection
• Three Type 347G fire control radars
• ECM suite: Jamming and Electronic Support Measures
• Decoy Launchers: Four 24-tube and two 16-tube units

Defensive Armament

• HHQ-10 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system:
  • Similar to the U.S. RIM-116 RAM
  • 2 m length, 20 kg weight, 3 kg warhead
  • Mach 2 speed, range up to 9 km
  • Total loadout: 54 missiles
• Type 1130 CIWS (Close-In Weapon System):
  • 11-barrel 30 mm rotary cannon
  • Up to 11,000 rpm firing rate
  • High claimed pK ratio (>90% against hypersonic missiles)

These systems combine radar homing and infrared guidance for short-range defense against incoming threats like aircraft, missiles, and drones.

Shandong in Action: Operations and Exercises

Since entering service in late 2019, the Shandong has taken on an increasingly prominent role in China's naval strategy. Its activities have included training drills, regional deployments, and demonstrations of strength near contested areas like Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Highlights of its operational record:

• April 2023: Over 620 carrier takeoffs and landings in exercises near Taiwan, signaling enhanced combat readiness
• September 2023: Led a strike group that sailed within 60 nautical miles of southern Taiwan
• June 2025: Participated in "Strait Thunder 2025A," conducting simulated blockade drills within 24 nautical miles of Taiwan
• July 2025: Made its first public visit to Hong Kong, showcasing naval power as part of a national celebration

These maneuvers serve both military and political purposes—testing China’s carrier operations while reinforcing its regional posture.

Survivability and Structural Enhancements

Though not heavily armored like WWII-era carriers, the Shandong features:

• Armor around magazines and fuel tanks
• Triple-hull underwater protection
• Radar-reducing exterior materials

These additions enhance survivability, especially in contested maritime zones.

Strategic Implications and Cost Efficiency

The Shandong’s commissioning marked a wake-up call for regional powers. In response, Japan announced plans to convert its two Izumo-class helicopter destroyers into F-35B carriers, effectively transforming them into light aircraft carriers. Though smaller than China’s fleet, these conversions show the growing importance of naval air power in the Indo-Pacific.

Estimated combined cost for the Type 001A and follow-on Type 002 is $9 billion, substantially less than the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class ($7B per ship) or Ford-class carriers (>$13B each). This suggests that conventional propulsion and simpler design choices can produce cost-effective capital ships with considerable power projection.

Future Developments: Type 003 and Beyond

The Type 003 (Fujian) carrier—launched in 2022—represents the next evolutionary step. Featuring electromagnetic catapults, a redesigned island, and U.S. carrier-style layout, it is expected to be commissioned by 2025, weighing in at 85,000 tons.

Comparisons to Similar Carriers

• Kuznetsov Class: Russian origin, inspiration for China’s early carrier efforts
• Liaoning: Refitted Soviet Varyag, used mainly for training
• Vikramaditya: Modified Kiev-class cruiser, sold to India, similar STOBAR setup

Looking Ahead: Shandong's Legacy and the Future of China’s Carriers

The Type 002 aircraft carrier is more than a military vessel—it’s a symbol of China’s ambition to be a major naval power. It provides a foundation for future carrier development while actively shaping regional maritime dynamics.

While it doesn’t yet match U.S. supercarriers in capabilities, the Shandong represents a vital step forward. As newer carriers like the Fujian come online, supported by advanced fighters and upgraded escort ships, China will continue reshaping the Indo-Pacific naval balance.

In essence, the Shandong is a transitional platform—training today’s carrier strike groups while projecting power in real-world scenarios. Its development reflects not only industrial prowess but also a growing strategic vision for China’s maritime future.

Conclusion: Shandong’s Role in China’s Naval Future

The Type 001A Shandong embodies China’s transformation into a major naval power. With advanced features, a formidable air wing, and robust defensive capabilities, it’s a stepping stone toward a blue-water navy capable of sustained global operations. As China accelerates its naval modernization, the Shandong will remain a pivotal platform in asserting Chinese maritime dominance across Asia-Pacific waters and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Type 001A Shandong aircraft carrier?

The Type 001A, officially named Shandong, is China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier. It is a conventionally powered, STOBAR-configured warship based on the Soviet Kuznetsov-class design but features numerous upgrades to enhance its combat capability and operational efficiency.

How does the Shandong differ from the Liaoning aircraft carrier?

While both carriers share a similar design lineage, the Shandong is larger, has a redesigned and more efficient flight deck, improved aircraft handling systems (three elevators instead of two), and more modern electronics. Unlike the Liaoning, which primarily serves as a training vessel, the Shandong was designed for full operational deployment.

What type of aircraft can the Shandong carry?

The Shandong can host up to 44 aircraft, including:
32 J-15 "Flying Shark" fighters
6 Z-18F anti-submarine helicopters
4 Z-18J early warning helicopters
2 Z-9C utility helicopters
This air wing enables the carrier to perform a wide range of missions, from air superiority to surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.

How is the Shandong powered and how far can it travel?

The Shandong uses eight oil-fired boilers that power four steam turbines generating 200,000 shp. It has a maximum speed of approximately 31 knots (57 km/h) and can travel up to 14,000 nautical miles (25,928 km) at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

What are the Shandong's defensive weapons and systems?

The carrier is equipped with:
HHQ-10 surface-to-air missile systems (54 missiles total)
Type 1130 CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) for last-ditch defense
Advanced radar systems like the Type 346 AESA radar
Electronic countermeasures (ECM) and decoy launchers
These systems provide layered defense against incoming aircraft, missiles, and other threats.

Is the Shandong nuclear-powered like U.S. aircraft carriers?

No, the Shandong is conventionally powered. Unlike the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz and Ford-class carriers, which are nuclear-powered, China chose a less complex and more cost-effective approach for the Shandong to gain operational experience while keeping construction and maintenance costs lower.

What is the strategic significance of the Shandong for China?

The Shandong is a key milestone in China's transition to a blue-water navy, enabling extended power projection and maritime security operations beyond its coastal waters. It reflects China’s growing naval ambitions and challenges the naval dominance of traditional powers in the Indo-Pacific region.