People&#039;s Liberation Army Navy (China) (Page 2)

Posted on Aug 5, 2025

Signs are growing that China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is close to demonstrating its ability to launch and recover aircraft from its first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, if it has not done so already.

China Teases First Catapult Launches From Its New Carrier Fujian

Posted on Aug 1, 2025

A new photo suggests that China’s Shenyang J-35, its next-generation carrier-based fighter, has now entered limited series production and is also in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The photo joins a succession of imagery showing some of China’s latest military aircraft in great detail, including previous views of the same type of jet, although still in prototype form, as you can see in our previous coverage here.

China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Looks Set For Service

Posted on Jul 19, 2025

German Surveillance Plane Targeted By Chinese Warship’s Laser In Red Sea Points To Disturbing Pattern

Posted on Jul 8, 2025

China’s Mysterious Ekranoplan Seen In Full For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 5, 2025

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has released photos showing two of its aircraft carriers operating simultaneously for the first time beyond the so-called First Island Chain in the western Pacific.

Two Chinese Aircraft Carriers Are Operating Beyond The First Island Chain For The First Time

Posted on Jun 10, 2025

China’s full-size aircraft carrier test facility, a key part of the country’s path toward establishing a carrier fleet and associated air wings, has been modified once again. The latest reworking suggests that the aircraft carrier mockup is now intended to represent a layout similar to the U.S. Navy’s Ford class. This may well point to the configuration of China’s next homegrown carrier design, or at least one of the configurations now under study.

China’s Giant Land-Based Carrier Mockup Grows In Size, Now Resembles Ford Class

Posted on Apr 16, 2025

We have gotten our best look so far at China’s enigmatic KJ-700 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This latest addition to China’s rapidly proliferating family of AEW&C platforms remains somewhat mysterious, although multiple accounts suggest that it’s something of a unique ‘dual-mode’ aircraft, combining both airborne radar as well as an array of electro-optical and infrared sensors, likely intended to track stealthy and low-radar-signature targets.

China’s New KJ-700 Multi-Intelligence Radar Plane’s Interesting Features

Posted on Apr 14, 2025

More imagery has appeared of China’s new ‘invasion barge,’ which involves a temporary pier that can be connected to other vessels via a barge, or series of barges, with jack-up supports. The development of jack-up barges is widely seen as part of preparations for a possible invasion of Taiwan. On the other hand, they also reflect the growing use of ostensibly non-military maritime assets to support amphibious operations by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Our Best Look Yet At China’s New ‘Invasion Barges’

Posted on Mar 13, 2025

China’s Massive WZ-9 Divine Eagle Drone Now Operating From South China Sea Base

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Feb 25, 2025

A rare Chinese naval drill with a previously unannounced live-fire component has disrupted air traffic over and around the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

China’s Sudden Live Fire Naval Drills Off Australia Rattle Canberra

Updated on Feb 21, 2025

We may have just gotten our first sight of China’s next-generation aircraft carrier, generally referred to as the Type 004. Construction work at a shipyard in Dalian, in China’s Liaoning province, reveals a module that is consistent with an aircraft carrier — which would be China’s fourth — although there remain many questions about the precise nature of the object.

Structure At Chinese Shipyard May Point To China’s Next Aircraft Carrier’s Capabilities

Posted on Feb 13, 2025

Chinese Navy Commissions First Type 054B Frigate

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

Posted on Jan 23, 2025

An image has appeared showing a Chinese commercial roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ferry linked to a temporary pier via a barge with jack-up supports. This follows the emergence of satellite imagery showing multiple similar, but different jack-up barges in various stages of construction at a shipyard in southeastern China.

Chinese Barge Usable For Potential Taiwan Beach Landings Seen In Action In New Image

Posted on Jan 15, 2025

Pictures have emerged of what looks to be the first known example of a new Chinese airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the four-engine Y-20 cargo plane commonly referred to as the KJ-3000.

China’s New Domestically Developed Y-20 Airborne Early Warning Jet Spotted

Posted on Dec 27, 2024

China has held a launch ceremony for its first super-sized Type 076 amphibious assault ship, now named Sichuan, but the vessel does not look to have gone into the water yet. Chinese Internet capture via X

China’s Monster Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship Seen Like Never Before At Launch Ceremony

Posted on Dec 27, 2024

PLA Navy is expanding its reach warns the DoD.

Pentagon Warns Of China’s Increasing Capacity To Project Naval Power Far From Home

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

Additional photos provide a much more detailed look at the mysterious Chinese flattop that TWZ was first to report on, and which recently went to sea, apparently for its first trials. While the function of this vessel remains unknown, the recently published photos do confirm that it’s intended to operate rotary-wing aircraft (perhaps in addition to fixed-wing drones), but there are no obvious signs of catapults or arrester cables of the kind that would be used for operating heavier fixed-wing types. There is also no indication that the vessel has a floodable well-deck like those found on many amphibious warfare ships.

Detailed Deck View Emerges Of China’s Mysterious Aircraft Carrier-Like Ship

Posted on Dec 2, 2024

A mysterious Chinese vessel with a large open flight deck, which TWZ was first to report on, looks to have made its maiden voyage.

China’s Wacky And Puzzling New Aircraft Carrier Has Set Sail

Posted on Nov 27, 2024

Giant Uncrewed Submarine Put Forward By Chinese Shipbuilder, Possibly Linked To Existing Design

Posted on Nov 14, 2024

Clearer views of a new Chinese trimaran uncrewed surface vessel (USV) have emerged, highlighting a number of interesting low-observable (stealthy) and other features.

China’s New Stealthy Trimaran Drone Ship: Our Best Look Yet (Updated)

Updated on Nov 9, 2024

J-15T fighter jet arrives in Zhuhai ahead of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024, on November 6, 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province of China. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition will be held in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17.

China’s J-15T Enhanced Carrier-Based Flanker Officially Unveiled

Posted on Nov 6, 2024

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Nov 5, 2024

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN has for the first time conducted dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea. The drills, involving the country’s first two in-service carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, as well as at least 11 other vessels, also showcased the PLAN’s fast-growing air wing, with a flyby conducted by a dozen J-15 carrier-based multirole fighters. While clearly engineered for public consumption, the photo opportunity also points to the very rapid progress made by the PLAN in developing its aircraft carrier and wider blue-water capabilities.

Two New Versions Of China’s J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational

Posted on Oct 31, 2024

New imagery of Taiwan’s homegrown Huilong uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) reveals new details, including a pair of apparent tornedo tubes, indicating a possible combat capability. At this stage, it seems the submarine is intended as a testbed, rather than for a combat role, but the development does point to the growing ambitions of the Taiwanese Navy in terms of underwater warfare.

Our Best Look At Taiwan’s New Uncrewed ‘Smart Dragon’ Submarine

Updated on Oct 29, 2024

An example of an entirely new class of Chinese vessel with a large open flight deck has emerged at a shipyard in the southeastern end of the country.

New Chinese Mystery Flattop Emerges

Posted on Oct 29, 2024

The spy plane at the center of one of the most notorious post-Cold War Today air incidents, a U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II, has arrived at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, for future public display. The EP-3E’s journey to get to the museum has been a long one, starting with the dramatic collision with a Chinese fighter in the so-called Hainan Island incident in 2001.

EP-3E Aries II Spy Plane That Collided With Chinese Fighter Is Going On Display

Posted on Oct 23, 2024

Recent photos of the first of the Type 076 landing helicopter dock (LHD) ships — known in the West as the Yulan class — under construction at the yard on Changxing Island in Shanghai reveal first one island superstructure added to the deck, followed by another, installed as of late last month.

China’s Monster Amphibious Assault Ship Has Twin Island Superstructures Optimized For Aviation Ops

Posted on Oct 7, 2024

The Washington Times first disclosed on July 16, 2004, that China had developed a new Yuan-class conventionally powered submarine in secret.

Chinese Submarine That Sunk Had Exotic Hybrid Nuclear Powerplant: Report

Posted on Oct 2, 2024

The mysterious incident at China’s Wuchang Shipyard in the spring of this year resulted in the sinking of the country’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine, according to U.S. officials.

China’s New Nuclear Submarine Sank During Mysterious Incident In Wuhan: Report

Posted on Sep 26, 2024

China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, arrives in Hong Kong waters on July 7, 2017.

All Three Chinese Aircraft Carriers Were At Sea For The First Time

Posted on Sep 23, 2024

China has offered a new and closer look at the catapults on its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. We also now have what appears to be the first look inside the retractable enclosed control station built into the flight deck that catapult officers on the ship will use to launch planes.

New Chinese Aircraft Carrier’s Catapult Control ‘Bubble’ Looks Very Familiar

Posted on Sep 11, 2024

A new photo has emerged of China’s mysterious stealthy Chinese corvette or light frigate, an intriguing design, with apparent low-observable features, which you can read more about here. In fact, the latest photo raises more questions than it answers, in particular the presumed HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launcher at the rear of the vessel apparently being something else entirely.

Our Best Look At China’s Stealthy Experimental Corvette

Posted on Aug 28, 2024

Laser Weapon Appears On Chinese Amphibious Assault Ship

Posted on Aug 19, 2024

A new type of submarine has appeared in China, featuring X-form rudders for the first time on a crewed Chinese design. Whether the recently spotted submarine is a further iteration of an existing class, or if it’s an entirely new design, it reflects the rapid pace of development in China’s submarine program, which features increasingly advanced and innovative nuclear- and conventionally powered types.

China’s Latest Submarine Features X-Shaped Stern

Posted on Jul 29, 2024

Satellite imagery shows curious activity, including a cluster of crane barges, at a prominent shipyard in China over a period of several days in June 2024.

Odd Activity At Chinese Submarine Shipyard Draws Interest

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

A Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) has surfaced in the Taiwan Strait, prompting the Taiwanese defense ministry to issue a reassurance that it has a “grasp” of the situation. The appearance of the submarine follows recent activity by People’s Liberation Army aircraft and vessels around Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunited with the mainland. However, while uncommon, all signs point to the submarine’s presence in the strait as being part of a transit back to port.

Chinese Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Surfaces In Taiwan Strait

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

Type 074 sunk by wake homing torpedo by the Chinese Navy.

Chinese Submarine’s Torpedo Destroys Amphibious Landing Ship During Exercise

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 17, 2024

A pair of apparent mockups of the Chinese GJ-11 Sharp Sword uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) have emerged at a site just over a mile from where the country is building the first of its new monster Type 076 amphibious assault ships.

Mockups Of China’s Sharp Sword Stealth Drone Appear Near New Supersized Amphibious Warship

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

China's first example of a new class of big deck amphibious assault ship, which may also be able to act as drone-focused light aircraft carrier, is continuing to take shape, and that shape is big.

China’s Type 076 Is Shaping Up To Be A Monster Amphibious Warship

Posted on May 29, 2024

Nearly 50 warplanes, along with ships and assets ashore, took part in the first day of what Chinese authorities have dubbed "punishment" drills encircling Taiwan following the inauguration of the island's latest President.

China’s “Punishment” Drills Around Taiwan: Day One

Posted on May 24, 2024

China’s Mysterious Stealthy Warship Has Headed Out To Sea (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Oliver Parken

Posted on May 15, 2024

China’s latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, appears poised to leave port to begin its first at-sea trials. The development comes soon after five aircraft mockups appeared on the deck of the flattop, as you can read about here. Once the Fujian goes to sea, it will mark a hugely important step in the development of China’s naval aviation, with the carrier being the first of its kind to be fully locally designed and also its first to launch aircraft via catapults rather than by a ‘ski jump’ takeoff ramp.

China’s New Aircraft Carrier Pulls Away From Its Pier Ahead Of Sea Trials

Posted on Apr 29, 2024

Mockups seen on the deck of the Chinese carrier Fujian

Deck Of China’s Nearly Complete Carrier Now Hosting Multiple Aircraft Mockups

Posted on Apr 17, 2024

J-15 AND J-35 MOCKUPS ON THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER LIAONING

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Heads To Sea With Mockup J-35 Stealth Fighter

Posted on Feb 29, 2024

Our Best Look At Taiwan’s First Homegrown Submarine

Posted on Feb 27, 2024

Mockup Of China’s Stealthy J-35 Fighter Appears On Unexpected Aircraft Carrier

Posted on Feb 13, 2024

A new target on a range in northwestern China is clearly a full-scale representation of the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.

China Has New Full-Scale Target Of America’s Ford Supercarrier

Posted on Jan 5, 2024

People's Liberation Army Navy Type 003, Fujian, pictured during a CCTV news segment

Our Best Look At China’s Nearly Completed New Aircraft Carrier

Posted on Jan 3, 2024

Pictures and videos show testing of the catapults on the Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian, which is still being fitted out, has begun.

China’s New Aircraft Carrier Begins Catapult Testing

Posted on Nov 27, 2023

This Is China’s New Type 054B Frigate, Could Become Backbone Of Navy

Posted on Aug 28, 2023

China-Russia Flotilla Near Aleutians Prompts Calls For Naval Base In Alaska

Posted on Aug 9, 2023

Alarming Navy Intel Slide Warns Of China’s 200 Times Greater Shipbuilding Capacity

Posted on Jul 11, 2023

Chinese Carrier Recently Sailed Near Guam, Enters South China Sea

Posted on Apr 25, 2023

New Chinese Carrier Concept Looks A Lot Like U.S. Navy’s Ford Class

Posted on Apr 7, 2023

China’s Massive Fleet Of Radar Planes And The Strategy Behind It

By Thomas Newdick, Andreas Rupprecht

Posted on Apr 5, 2023

Mock Attack On U.S. Navy Vessels Underway During Chinese Fighter’s ‘Unsafe Intercept’

Posted on Dec 30, 2022

Pentagon Releases Video Of Chinese J-11 Fighter Making ‘Unsafe Intercept’ On U.S. Jet

Posted on Dec 30, 2022

China’s Naval Mothership For Aerial Drones Looks To Be Operational

Posted on Dec 23, 2022

China’s J-15 Naval Fighter Is Now Powered By Locally Made Engines

Posted on Nov 23, 2022

This Spinning Camera On China’s Aircraft Carrier Is A Key Defense System

By Emma Helfrich, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Sep 30, 2022

Chinese Countermeasure Barge Covered In Radar Reflectors Emerges

Posted on Sep 24, 2022

Our Most Detailed Look Yet At China’s Type 055 Super Destroyer