Construction of China's nuclear-powered Type 004 aircraft carrier accelerated

According to a Mint report, work on China's fourth aircraft carrier, the Type 004, is being advanced at a very rapid pace. This vessel could also become Beijing's first nuclear-powered carrier. According to estimates by American researchers, the vessel could be put into the water by the year 2027, marking yet another step in efforts to enhance the reach of the Chinese navy and strengthen its capability to project military power abroad.

According to the South China Morning Post, this potential launch in the year 2027 may also coincide with the centenary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) coming up on August 1. Beijing has previously also used significant military milestones to showcase increases in its defensive capabilities.

An assessment released earlier this year by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that the Type 004 had achieved a construction level similar to Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier, in May 2021. The Fujian was launched about a year later in June 2022.

This comparison suggests that a launch in the year 2027 is possible. However, analysts have warned that the Type 004's larger size, potentially more complex propulsion system, and unforeseen construction difficulties could impact its timeline.

This nuclear-powered carrier is being prepared at the Dalian Shipyard in northeast China. Satellite images show that construction has progressed very rapidly since pre-fabricated hull sections appeared in early 2025. By October 2026, the vessel had reached a length of about 322 meters and up to 46 meters at its widest point, bringing it very close to the size of the US Navy's largest aircraft carriers.

At its current stage of construction, the Type 004 is much larger than the Fujian was at the corresponding point. Its overall dimensions are also expected to increase as work on the bow and flight deck progresses.

Estimates suggest that the completed ship could exceed the approximately 333-meter length of the US Navy's Nimitz-class carriers and approach or surpass the 337-meter length of the Gerald R. Ford-class. Janes has separately estimated a final hull length of 336 to 339 meters, though the exact dimensions remain uncertain.

The fully completed Type 004 is also expected to feature an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. With a displacement approaching 1,10,000 tonnes, it could become the world's largest aircraft carrier.

A larger carrier can accommodate greater quantities of aviation fuel and weapons, while also providing more space for maintenance facilities, crew quarters, and machinery. Its expanded flight deck may also allow it to operate more aircraft and conduct simultaneous launch and recovery operations.

Images released from the Dalian Shipyard in November show structural equipment being fitted inside the developing hull of the vessel. This appears to be broadly consistent with nuclear reactor containment arrangements.

China's ambitions extend beyond building larger carriers. Its defense industry has also made significant progress in developing sixth-generation fighter jets, which could potentially give Beijing a head start over the US in deploying such aircraft on its carriers.

This development comes at a time when China is pursuing a wide-ranging expansion of its aircraft carrier fleet. A 2025 Pentagon report indicated that the Chinese navy aims to add at least six new carriers by the year 2035, potentially increasing its fleet from three vessels to nine.

Analysts stated that achieving this expansion will require China to significantly increase its shipbuilding efforts, potentially constructing multiple aircraft carriers at the same time.

They also noted that a larger fleet could significantly expand China's military options, allowing it to maintain carrier operations in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific.