The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has just executed a historic move: deploying both of its operational aircraft carriers simultaneously beyond the second island chain for the first time.
This dual deployment – featuring the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong – marks a deliberate step-change in PLAN ambitions. The Liaoning task group, operating east of the Philippines and potentially around Guam, is engaged in its longest-ever mission and is now fully embedded in blue-water operations. Meanwhile, the Shandong, alongside a flotilla including a Type 055 destroyer, Type 052D destroyer, and Type 054A frigates, has been tracked conducting sustained carrier flight operations within Japan’s EEZ.
This is a Chinese naval deployment on a scale never seen before. China has deployed four big-deck warships – two carriers and two amphibious assault ships – across a total surface battle force that includes over 50 fixed-wing aircraft, four Type 055 cruisers, four Type 052D destroyers, and seven 054A frigates. The warships have nearly 1,000 vertical launch system (VLS) missile cells.
This isn’t just a show of numbers. Various online observers suggest that the current operation represents about half of China’s Type 055 fleet and roughly 15 per cent of its Type 052D and 054A ships – a deliberate concentration of capability. The upcoming commissioning of the CNS Fujian – China’s third and most advanced carrier, featuring catapults allowing a bigger and more capable air wing – will make the PLAN without question the second most powerful navy on the planet.
What’s less visible but equally significant is the all but certain presence of China’s new 093B nuclear attack submarines, operating quietly beneath the waves. It is safe to assume that each PLAN group, just like an American or British one, will have a nuclear sub keeping watch below.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has just executed a historic move: deploying both of its operational aircraft carriers simultaneously beyond the second island chain for the first time.
This dual deployment – featuring the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong – marks a deliberate step-change in PLAN ambitions. The Liaoning task group, operating east of the Philippines and potentially around Guam, is engaged in its longest-ever mission and is now fully embedded in blue-water operations. Meanwhile, the Shandong, alongside a flotilla including a Type 055 destroyer, Type 052D destroyer, and Type 054A frigates, has been tracked conducting sustained carrier flight operations within Japan’s EEZ.
This is a Chinese naval deployment on a scale never seen before. China has deployed four big-deck warships – two carriers and two amphibious assault ships – across a total surface battle force that includes over 50 fixed-wing aircraft, four Type 055 cruisers, four Type 052D destroyers, and seven 054A frigates. The warships have nearly 1,000 vertical launch system (VLS) missile cells.
This isn’t just a show of numbers. Various online observers suggest that the current operation represents about half of China’s Type 055 fleet and roughly 15 per cent of its Type 052D and 054A ships – a deliberate concentration of capability. The upcoming commissioning of the CNS Fujian – China’s third and most advanced carrier, featuring catapults allowing a bigger and more capable air wing – will make the PLAN without question the second most powerful navy on the planet.
What’s less visible but equally significant is the all but certain presence of China’s new 093B nuclear attack submarines, operating quietly beneath the waves. It is safe to assume that each PLAN group, just like an American or British one, will have a nuclear sub keeping watch below.