First Chinese-Made Aircraft Carrier

April 26, Dalian, Liaoning Province: China officially launches its first completely self-made aircraft carrier, a milestone for its navy.

The ship is the largest and most sophisticated surface vessel that China has ever built. Construction began in November 2013 and work in the dry dock started in March 2015. According to the military, the new aircraft carrier will be fitted with interior equipment and electronic systems in the next phase, before weaponry is installed. Mooring trials will be conducted to test the durability of the carrier’s overall design and equipment.

The aircraft carrier will have a displacement of about 60,000 metric tons and a conventional propulsion system. China’s homegrown J-15 fighter jets and other ship-borne aircraft will operate from the carrier in the future.