China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier nearing completion | IHS Jane’s 360

Airbus Defence and Space imagery captured on 11 August 2016 shows significant activity related to China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) projects at Dalian Shipyard, including the assembly of the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier (CV), the Type 001A, and the production of Type 052D guided-missile destroyers (DDGs). The imagery shows that, with the addition…

Airbus Defence and Space imagery captured on 11 August 2016 shows significant activity related to China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) projects at Dalian Shipyard, including the assembly of the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier (CV), the Type 001A, and the production of Type 052D guided-missile destroyers (DDGs).

The imagery shows that, with the addition of the bow section and other exterior components, the assembly of the Type 001A CV is nearly complete. Two of the component fabrication areas adjacent to the dry dock are largely clear of materials, indicating that work on the Type 001A hull is nearing an end. Few uninstalled components remain present, including the forward aircraft elevator.

via www.janes.com

It will take probably another year and a half of fitting out after launch before she's ready for sea, but it has been a remarkably quick build.

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Responses to “China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier nearing completion | IHS Jane’s 360”

  1. ultimaratioregis

    So much for the “ten-plus years” forecast by so many for their first indigenous CV. And, three years from now, when they have a third, it will be somewhat short of the “it will take fifty years!” for them to have a viable STOBAR/CATOBAR naval aviation strike capability.
    We underestimate our enemy to make ourselves feel better. Always a good plan.

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  2. ron snyder

    Analogous to the civilian market when Japan started sending us top quality products for a reasonable price. The auto industry in particular were very strident in playing the three monkey game- it cost Detroit big time. Results will be far more serious in the military realm.

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  3. Casey

    I would strongly recommend we keep the economic factors in mind. China’s bubble is by many signs about to burst. Even if it doesn’t they might be looking at a serious financial squeeze of their own.
    China has made do with the Soviet cheap but robust approach for a long time. It should prove instructive to see if they stay with a higher-tech approach…

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