China’s fourth aircraft carrier takes shape at Dalian shipyard

China’s new Type 004 aircraft carrier is rapidly taking shape at the Dalian shipyard in northeastern China, where its construction has been observed in recent satellite imagery.

The vessel would be China’s fourth aircraft carrier and, if current assessments are confirmed, could become the country’s first carrier powered by a nuclear propulsion system. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Recent satellite images from Vantor show that the hull already has a more defined bow and measures approximately 320 meters in length and 46 meters in beam.

Those dimensions could still change as construction progresses, since the hull typically gains additional volume and width before the flight deck and other major components are installed.

The potential nuclear propulsion system would represent a significant development in China’s ability to operate aircraft carriers over longer distances, although the available information does not yet confirm that the Type 004 will use nuclear power.