Aircraft
China Launches New Aircraft Carrier
New versions of the country’s carrier-capable J-15 fighter could equip the new vessel.
The Type 001A carrier was towed out from the dry dock at Dalian on April 26. (Photo: Chinese Internet, Xinhua News Agency)
The Type 001A carrier was towed out from the dry dock at Dalian on April 26. (Photo: Chinese Internet, Xinhua News Agency)

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier, the Type 001A, at the Dalian shipyard. It features numerous modifications from China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to increase the efficiency of her carrier air wing. This ex-Soviet carrier was acquired by China from Ukraine and first went to sea with fixed-wing aircraft onboard in late 2012.