Satellite Images Reveal China Building Its First Aircraft Carrier

Airbus Defence and Space imagery shows an overview of Dalian shipyard in China. Source: CNES 2015, Distribution Airbus DS / 2015 IHS

IHS Jane's 360: China may be building first indigenous carrier

Key Points

* An unidentified hull in an advanced state of construction at Dalian shipyard could be China's first indigenous aircraft carrier
* While a conclusive identification of the hull as an aircraft carrier cannot be made until work is observed on the upper decks and potential flight deck, the slow pace of assembly and outline suggests a military hull under construction
* Satellite imagery suggests that China may be building its first aircraft carrier at Dalian shipyard in northern China.

Airbus Defence and Space imagery captured on 22 September suggests that the possible carrier is under construction in the dry dock associated with the refit and repair of Liaoning (CV16), the Soviet-era Kuznetsov-class carrier acquired from Ukraine that is now in People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) service.

WNU Editor: Popular Mechanics has some images on what this Chinese aircraft carrier will look like .... China's Got a Mystery Ship: Whatever it is, it's big. (Popular Mechanics). This aircraft carrier will also not be nuclear powered .... Revealed: China Can't Build Lethal Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carriers (National Interest).

More News On Satellite Images Revealing China Building Its First Aircraft Carrier

Is This China's First Homemade Aircraft Carrier? -- The Diplomat
Satellite images may show China's first indigenous carrier: Jane's -- Reuters
Images: China Might Be Building First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier -- Washington Free Beacon
China possibly building its own aircraft carrier -- UPI
China’s first homemade aircraft carrier could launch sooner than you think -- Fortune
China Aircraft Carrier Launch by End-2015 Plausible, Experts Say -- Bloomberg
Satellite images might show the construction of the first Chinese-made aircraft carrier -- Business Insider
China’s First Domestic Aircraft Carrier Almost Certainly Under Construction -- USNI News
Images Show China Hard at Work on First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier -- Sputnik
Satellite Images May Show China’s First Domestic Aircraft Carrier -- ECN
Aerial photos of likely new Type 001A 60,000 ton Chinese aircraft carrier -- Next Big Future