China’s Navy Conducts Dual Aircraft Carrier Operations In Sensitive Areas Of The South China Sea

For the first time, the Chinese Navy (PLAN) conducted dual-aircraft carrier operations in the sensitive areas of the South China Sea, over which it has disputes with its neighbours.

The exercise involved Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong and 11 more ships, with fighter jets, which shows China’s expanding air wing.

The third aircraft carrier of the Chinese Navy is Fujian, revealed in 2022. It is not operational now and is presently undertaking sea trials.

The formation moved to the Yellow Sea, then the East China Sea and the South China Sea before it headed back home.

This exercise will set up China for more complex and diverse operations in the area and improve the combat capabilities of the aircraft carrier formation system.

Per reports, the latest Chinese drills confirmed that its advanced J-15 B single-seat multirole fighter and J-15 D two-seat electronic warfare jet have now entered operations.

The report added that these modern J-15 flanker models show China’s rapid progress in developing sophisticated carrier-based aircraft for its expanding fleet.

The exercise had a dozen J-15s hovering over the fleet of carriers, which showed the increased blue-water capabilities of the Chinese Navy and the efficiency of its support ships for long deployments.

The formation had 12 J-15 fighters in 2 groups of 6. Another 18 J-15s were on Shandong’s deck during the flyby, with two on Liaoning. The J-15 variants are made for short takeoff but assisted recovery launches, and the J-15 B can perform catapult-assisted takeoff but recovery operations.

The exercise was significant as it showed around 15 J-15 B aircraft, which were not known to have been operational.

Liaoning or Shandong do not have catapults, but the new aircraft carrier, Fujian, has them. The first two have a ski jump for launching their aircraft.

Though Liaoning and Shandong have operated together before, this is the first time they were seen in such a close formation. According to a report last month, the carriers were seen at sea. Liaoning was spotted in the Philippine Sea and Shandong close to Hainan Island.

After Fujian, China will introduce more locally designed carriers, with some having nuclear propulsion, a departure from the systems in China’s current carriers.

Economic Times, Business Standard

China’s Navy Conducts Dual Aircraft Carrier Operations In Sensitive Areas Of The South China Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News