PLAN aircraft carrier sea trials on schedule

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is conducting sea trials of its latest Type 001A aircraft carrier, the Shandong (Hull 17), according to the Chinese Ministry of National Defence.

The vessel is the first indigenously built aircraft carrier for the PLAN. It left the Dalian Shipyard in Liaoning Province on 25 May on its maiden voyage.

Performance of its weapons system and equipment will be assessed, which will also support the training effort of its crew.

Several J-15 fighter jets are being used throughout the sea trials, which could be seen taking off and landing from the Shandong in a video released on the MND website. Alongside the J-15, the Z-9, Z-18 and Z-20 helicopters can also be accommodated on its flight deck.

Shephard Defence Insight reports that construction on the aircraft carrier began in November 2013 and it was officially commissioned by President Xi Jinping in December 2019.

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