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.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts]()
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
![Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover]()
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
