China's first homegrown aircraft carrier has entered the final stage of construction, and the country's defense ministry hinted that it could be commissioned next month.

"China's first home-built aircraft is now being fitted out, everything is going very smoothly," Wu Qian, defense ministry's spokesperson, said.

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"I believe you won't have to wait too long," Wu said, answering reports on whether the ship will be launched in time for the People's Liberation Army Navy's anniversary on April 23. Some reports said that Chinese President Xi Jinping might grace the launch ceremony.

China's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier is similar to the Liaoning, which Beijing purchased from Ukraine in 1998. Temporarily named as the Type 001A, the aircraft carrier features a ski-jump take-off ramp.

But, Li Jie, a naval expert, said that the Type 001A's equipment and an overall operational concept is more advanced and functional that Liaoning. Some weapons were not included to give more space to J-15 fighter jets. The hangar was also extended to give room for between six and eight more J-15 fighter jets than the Liaoning.

According to the South China Morning Post, the Type 001A could accommodate more helicopters and fixed-wing early-warning aircraft. Furthermore, China will also deploy cutting-edge equipment such as its most advanced S-band radars, which could cover a 360-degree search field to aim targets, and four batteries of HQ-10 missile system containing 24 tubes each. The HQ-10 missile system will reportedly be installed on the Type 052D destroyer and Type 056 frigates.

TagsAircraft carrier, china, Type 001A, PLA Navy, shandong