China launched its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, on June 17, 2022, and work is underway to prepare the vessel for commissioning into the People’s Liberation Army Navy. This page provides key details about the carrier.
Keyword:third aircraft carrier
Tracking China’s Third Aircraft Carrier
China is making steady progress in constructing what is believed to be its third aircraft carrier. Commercial satellite imagery collected on August 18, 2020, shows significant developments in the construction of the vessel and additional improvements to the infrastructure at Jiangnan Shipyard.
Analysis of Jiangnan Shipyard
Since opening, Jiangnan has continuously engaged in the construction, maintenance, and modification of a wide range of commercial and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels. Analysis conducted by CSIS of satellite imagery from 2011 and 2018 illustrates the degree to which the shipyard’s infrastructure has developed during the intervening seven years.
How is China Modernizing its Navy?
Beijing is undertaking sweeping efforts to modernize its navy. Between 2017 and 2019, China reportedly built more naval vessels than India, Japan, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom combined. Learn more about China’s naval modernization progress in this ChinaPower feature.