China could potentially launch its new aircraft carrier by the end of next year, according to a report. The ship could be China’s first carrier with a nuclear propulsion system.
The report, published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), revealed details citing recent satellite images of the Dalian Shipyard in northern China.
Aircraft carriers are being built at a rapid pace
The ship may be known as Type 004 and is being built at a rapid pace.
CSIS revealed that prefabricated hull components that first appeared in a dry dock in Dalian in early 2025 were assembled into a clearly recognizable hull in less than two years – illustrating the speed and scale of China’s maritime industrial base.
The ship’s hull is approximately 1,056 feet (322 meters) long from unfinished bow to stern and has a beam (or breadth) of approximately 150 feet (46 meters). According to the report, this is far larger than any other class of surface combatant in the Chinese Navy.
CSIS stated that the ship’s hull configuration made it clear that it was not a civilian merchant vessel. It does not correspond to the configuration of other ships, such as ultra-large container ships, cargo ships or tankers. In addition, the shape and configuration of the hull largely correspond to those of other Chinese aircraft carriers at roughly similar stages of construction.
The aircraft carrier could have four launch catapults for fighter jets
It is also claimed that the ship could have four aircraft catapults, strengthening its aggressive presence in naval warfare.
A larger flight deck and hangar would allow the ship to accommodate more aircraft and improve flexibility of flight operations. This would improve China’s ability to conduct sustained naval aviation operations over longer distances.
However, Type 004’s significance goes beyond its physical dimensions. Its propulsion system could prove to be its most important technological feature.
The introduction of nuclear propulsion would represent a major advance in China’s naval capabilities. Unlike conventionally powered ships, nuclear-powered ships do not require regular refueling. They can maintain high-speed operations for extended periods and reduce some of the logistical constraints associated with long-distance operations.
An aircraft carrier’s nuclear propulsion provides significant energy generation capabilities
Nuclear propulsion provides significant power generation capabilities for advanced onboard systems, including electromagnetic launch technology for aircraft.
If nuclear propulsion is confirmed, the Type 004 would be a particularly important milestone, potentially enabling China to operate a more capable and enduring carrier force.
China recently launched the aircraft carrier Fujian with three electromagnetic catapults. The 80,000-ton ship was developed quickly. After the Fujian launch, China’s construction of a new aircraft carrier poses a major threat to Western powers.
China’s growing naval capabilities could alter regional military calculations, particularly in areas where maritime disputes and competing territorial claims already exist.
