Chinese Ministry of National Defense reported that the hull of its first domestically built aircraft carrier has been assembled.

The country currently has only one aircraft carrier called 'Liaoning.' The new aircraft carrier is likely to boost China's naval prowess. It is designed to accommodate J-15 fighter jets.

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Chinese naval authorities have frequently underscored the need for an additional aircraft carrier given the growing tension in the South China Sea region. Earlier this year, Chinese Navy Adm. Yin Zhuo said that the country plans to create aircraft carrier battle groups to defend "China's sovereignty on the islands and reefs, maritime rights and overseas interests."

The new carrier is being built in Dalian and is expected to be fitted with a ski-jump ramp for jet take-off. The aircraft carrier will also have short-range anti-aircraft missiles and phased array radar. The commissioning date for the carrier is yet not known despite the completion of design work. The carrier will have a conventional power plant, instead of nuclear energy.

The carrier is the first of the Type 001A class for China. The country aims to add two more carriers to its arsenal. According to official media reports, the pilot team has undergone more than three years of intensive training. China's current aircraft carrier Liaoning was commissioned in 2012. However, the carrier is mainly used as a training ship. It is also believed to be in close vicinity to the mainland.

China's Navy is also planning to add nuclear submarines to its fleet. The navy further intends to boost its cache with destroyers and frigates.

TagsMinistry of National Defense, Liaoning, Dalian