China is building in dalian a super aircraft carrier that could exceed the length of the USS Gerald R. Fordthe oldest of USA. Satellite images taken on September 4 by Vantor show progress in their bow and have allowed the defense analysis company Janes to estimate a final length of between 336 and 339 meters for the ship provisionally known as Type 004.
It is called super aircraft carrier to large aircraft carriers with a very high capacity to operate aircraft. Although there is no official classification that establishes specific requirements for tonnage, propulsion or number of aircraft, it is a term used, for example, by the US Navy in official publications. They are those of the classes Nimitz and ford of USAhe Fujian chinese and british class Queen Elizabeth. The Type 004 will be the fourth aircraft carrier of the Chinese navy and the largest of his fleet.
The length of the Ford is about 337 metersso the new ship would surpass it slightly if it reaches the highest estimate. The difference would be greater compared to Fujian, which has about 316 meters and was delivered to the Navy in November 2025.
Lyle Goldstein, responsible for studies on Asia in the analysis center Defense Prioritieshas explained to South China Morning Post a larger hull would offer more space for aircraft and aviation fuel. Estimate an endowment from 75 to 90 devicescompared to 50-60 in Fujian, in addition to space for ‘more robust self-defense systems’.
The assembly of the hull is documented since the beginning of 2025, when the first modules appeared on the Dalian dock. There is no official delivery date, although the National Maritime Foundation India places its possible entry into service around 2030after completing the equipment and sea trials.
The possibility of it being the first Chinese nuclear aircraft carrier is supported by two compartments of 15 by 15 meters compatible with the installation of reactors. Beijing has not confirmed this propulsion, although Goldstein believes that it would improve its autonomy and its ability to maintain prolonged operations.
It is also expected to have electromagnetic catapults to launch the aircraft, possibly four compared to three in Fujian. Your air group could include stealth fighters J-35combat and electronic warfare variants of the J-15early warning aircraft KJ-600helicopters and drones, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies of the United States.
China also prepares a large resupply ship in Comec Longxuenearly Guangzhouof some 270 meters long and 37 meters wide. It looks like an expanded version of the Type 901with facilities for transferring supplies to other vessels and a hangar and helicopter deck aft.
The first of these new replenishment ships was launched in July and images taken on September 15 point to the construction of a second example in the same shipyardships that would allow Type 004 and its escort ships to be resupplied during navigation. Even if the supercarrier is nuclear, its aircraft will continue to consume conventional fuel, just like the escort ships, and the entire group will need ammunition and supplies to remain deployed without returning to port.