China third and largest aircraft carrier brings it new naval force projection capabilities, as well as a growing reputation for rapid shipbuilding
indicating that it will be capable of fielding advanced fighters and stealth jets, surveillance and control craft, anti-submarine helicopters and drones.
A nuclear-capable aircraft carrier would only be limited by the amount of supplies it can carry at sea, and the resilience of its sailors, granting the ability to project force or deny across the world’s seas and coasts.China’s latest aircraft carrier is not welcome news to US defence officials who also have to contend with the widespread use of satellite imagery and artificial intelligence,warship electronic signatures from space, despite scrambling and background noise.
Opinions remain mixed however, given that while the Type 003 was launched it will take some time for it to be operations. Mark Montgomery, a Senior Fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies, speaking to the Military Times.With tight controls over military technology transfer, and little in the way of allied aircraft markets for US allies, China’s successful entry into aircraft manufacturing will prove a game-changer for the country.