China's second aircraft carrier now building will become the most powerful warship in the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) because of its offensive airpower; the most sophisticated radar system in the fleet and laser weapons later on.

The carrier "Shandong," now known as "Type 002" is set for commissioning in 2020 after which is will become the flagship of the North Sea Fleet and the East Sea Fleet of the PLAN.

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Analysts believe the Shandong will displace between 60,000 to 70,000 tons. Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company in Liaoning began building the carrier in 2015.

Shandong will probably carry 48 aircraft, a number larger than that of the Liaoning, China's only aircraft carrier that can take 36 aircraft. It will house up to 32 J-15 jets, a huge boost to its offensive firepower, with the other aircraft complement remaining more or less the same.

Liaoning can embark 36 aircraft: 24 Shenyang J-15 fighters; 6 Changhe Z-18F anti-submarine warfare helicopters; 4 Changhe Z-18J airborne early warning helicopters and 2 Harbin Z-9C rescue helicopters.

Cao Weidong, a researcher at the People's Liberation Army Navy Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said China's first indigenous aircraft carrier will probably have an Active Phased Array Radar (APAR) system that can simultaneously track hundreds of aerial and sea surface targets while guiding missiles to these targets.

Cao also confirmed the Shandong will embark some 50 aircraft of various types. More tellingly, the new carrier might be armed with solid state lasers to shoot down drones.

The Naval Military Studies Research Institute is the think tank of PLAN.

Cao confirmed the installation of the carrier's "island" and said this is the last step in building the carrier superstructure. Outfitting the Shandong will follow.

He noted that island installation takes at least half a year, but "our aircraft carrier will be ready to enter water at the end of this year or early next year, which is pretty fast." On the island are two rectangular structures for the X-band APAR. Cao said APAR meets the combat needs of Shandong.

He said the Shandong's radar system is far better than the Liaoning's. APAR is expected to enhance the Shandong's combat capability because of its longer detection range and better target acquisition.

Other military experts were quoted by Chinese media as saying laser weapons on the Shandong will reinforce its defensive systems and overall combat performance. Cao noted that existing laser weapons in military powers like the U.S. aren't powerful enough to destroy incoming missiles and large vessels.

Laser weapons, however, are certainly one of the directions China's future weapons development will take.

Tagsshandong, Aircraft carrier, china, People's Liberation Army Navy, Liaoning, Cao Weidong, People's Liberation Army Navy Naval Military Studies Research Institute