China’s Type 004, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, may be nuclear powered; launch probably in 2027 | Details | Today’s news

China is reportedly speeding up work on its fourth aircraft carrier, known as the Type 004, which could also become Beijing’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. US scientists estimate the vessel could be launched as early as 2027, marking the next step in China’s efforts to expand its maritime reach and strengthen its ability to project military power overseas.

According to the South China Morning Post, the 2027 launch could coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which falls on August 1. Beijing has previously used major military milestones as opportunities to showcase advances in its defense capabilities.

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What we know so far

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted in an assessment published earlier this year that the Type 004 had reached a construction phase comparable to China’s third aircraft carrier Fujian in May 2021. Fujian launched in June 2022, about a year later.

This comparison suggests that a 2027 launch is possible. But analysts warned that the larger dimensions, potentially more sophisticated propulsion system and unforeseen design issues could affect its timeline.

The nuclear-powered carrier is taking shape at the Dalian Shipyard in northeastern China. Satellite images show that construction has progressed rapidly since the prefabricated hull sections first appeared in early 2025. By October 2026, the vessel reached approximately 322 meters in length and 46 meters at its widest point, bringing it close in size to the US Navy’s largest aircraft carriers.

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

Estimates suggest that the completed vessel could exceed the approximately 333 meters in length of the US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and approach or surpass the 337-meter Gerald R. Ford class. Janes independently estimated the final hull length at 336–339 ​​meters, although the exact dimensions remain uncertain.

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The completed Type 004 is also expected to have an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. With a displacement approaching 110,000 tons, it could become the largest aircraft carrier in the world.

The larger carrier can hold more jet fuel and weapons, along with more space for maintenance equipment, crew quarters and machinery. Its expanded flight deck could also allow it to operate multiple aircraft and perform launch and recovery operations simultaneously.

Images released in November from the Dalian Shipyard showed the structures located inside the developing hull of the vessel. They appear to be broadly consistent with nuclear reactor siting arrangements.

China’s ambitions go beyond building larger carriers. Its defense industry has also made significant progress in developing sixth-generation fighter jets, which may give Beijing a leg up on the US in deploying such aircraft aboard its aircraft carriers.

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China wants to build a fleet of nine ships by 2035

The development comes as China seeks a wider expansion of its aircraft carrier fleet. A 2025 Pentagon report indicated that the Chinese Navy intends to add at least six aircraft carriers by 2035, potentially increasing its fleet from three vessels to nine.

Achieving this expansion would require China to significantly increase its shipbuilding efforts, potentially building several aircraft carriers at the same time, analysts said.

They also noted that a larger fleet could significantly expand China’s military capabilities, allowing it to maintain aircraft carrier operations in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific.

The Pentagon report further argued that China’s advances in aircraft carriers, sixth-generation fighter jets and nuclear weapons reflect the country’s “historic” growth in military capabilities, leaving the United States “increasingly vulnerable.”