For the first time in history: China puts all its aircraft carriers to sea – The Telegraph

For the first time in history: China has put all its aircraft carriers to sea, – The Telegraph Irina Martsiyash

China has sent all of its aircraft carriers out to sea for the first time in history/Photo Unsplash/Arthur Wang

The Chinese Navy has sent all of its aircraft carriers out to sea at the same time. This is the first time in history that such an event has occurred.

This gives a glimpse into how China might deploy its ships during, say, an attack on Taiwan. The Telegraph writes about this.

China has sent all of its aircraft carriers to sea for the first time in history

As the publication writes, last weekend all three Chinese aircraft carriers – the former Soviet Liaoning, its locally produced sister ship Shandong, and the newest, largest, and best Chinese-made aircraft carrier Fujian – were at sea.

It is noted that Fujian is conducting tests in the Yellow Sea. “Shandong” was in the South China Sea west of Taiwan with escort vessels, while “Liaoning” and escort vessels were in the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan.

Interestingly, “Fujian” is not yet in service with the Chinese army. However, when it joins the fleet, China will become the world's second-largest aircraft carrier force, ahead of the double-deck Royal Navy and the Indian Navy. However, it will lag behind the United States Navy.

The publication writes that China's carriers are smaller than those of the United States: “Liaoning” and “Shandong” have a displacement of about 60,000 tons, and “Fujian” – about 70,000 tons. Their air component is smaller and, most importantly, only the Fujian has catapults – there are 3 of them – and can launch J-15 and (in the future) J-35 fighters at maximum weight.

As The Telegraph writes, the fact that the Chinese have sent 3 aircraft carriers to sea at once is ominous for Taiwan.