Type 004 Aircraft Carrier

Full Specifications

Type 004 Aircraft Carrier Program

The Type 004 aircraft carrier represents China’s most ambitious naval aviation project to date. Designed as the follow on to the Fujian Type 003, this future carrier is expected to mark China’s transition into full scale nuclear powered carrier operations. For the United States and its allies, the Type 004 is closely watched as a potential peer level platform that could reshape naval balance in the Indo Pacific.

Developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the Type 004 is believed to be intended as a true supercarrier. Its core mission is sustained power projection, long range air operations, and fleet air defense far from mainland bases. Unlike earlier Chinese carriers, the Type 004 is widely assessed to use nuclear propulsion, allowing extended deployments without refueling and higher sustained speeds.

Design and Capabilities

The carrier is expected to feature a large CATOBAR flight deck with electromagnetic catapults similar in concept to US Navy EMALS systems. This allows launch of heavier aircraft such as airborne early warning platforms, electronic warfare jets, and potentially unmanned combat aircraft. The air wing may include J 15 variants, the newer J 35 stealth fighter, KJ 600 AEW aircraft, and multiple rotary wing assets.

Advanced sensors are likely to include multifunction AESA radars, integrated electronic warfare systems, and networked command and control optimized for joint operations. Defensive systems are expected to focus on layered close in protection using CIWS, short range missiles, and soft kill decoys, relying on escort ships for area defense.

Type 004 Aircraft Carrier Price

The Type 004 aircraft carrier does not have an official public price. Based on size, nuclear propulsion, and air wing support infrastructure, analysts estimate costs comparable to US nuclear carriers, potentially exceeding 12 billion US dollars per ship.

Operational Role

If completed, the Type 004 would significantly enhance China’s ability to conduct long duration carrier strike operations, narrowing capability gaps with US Navy supercarriers while increasing regional strategic competition.