Type 004: China’s Fourth Nuclear Aircraft Carrier

China is advancing construction of its fourth aircraft carrier, widely identified as Type 004, at the Dalian Shipyard in Liaoning province. The vessel is expected to be China’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and is linked to the People’s Liberation Army Navy, which commissioned its first carrier, Liaoning, in 2012.

Type 004 Design Features

The Type 004 is expected to use twin pressurised water reactors in the 300 MW class. Its projected displacement is 110,000 to 120,000 tonnes, which places it in the supercarrier category used for the largest fixed-wing aircraft carriers. The carrier is expected to use an electromagnetic catapult system, or EMALS, similar to the system fitted on the Type 003 Fujian. It may have up to four electromagnetic catapults for launching aircraft.

Air Wing and Aviation Systems

The Type 004 is designed to carry up to 105 aircraft. The expected air wing includes J-35 stealth fighters, J-15T multirole naval aircraft, and KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft. The U.S. Navy’s Ford-class carriers displace about 100,000 tonnes and typically deploy around 75 aircraft. The Type 004, if completed to the projected specifications, would exceed that displacement and aircraft capacity.

Construction Status and Timeline

The hull of the vessel was reported to be complete, with overall progress at about 25 percent in early 2026. Sea trials are projected between mid-2028 and early 2029, and entry into service is expected around 2030.

China’s Carrier Programme

China currently operates three aircraft carriers: Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian. The U.S. Defence Department stated in December 2025 that China plans to operate nine aircraft carriers by 2035, including an estimated six Type 004 carriers.