China Expanding Aircraft Carrier Fleet to Potentially Six by 2030s

China has been steadily expanding its naval capabilities by developing a powerful fleet of aircraft carriers. Unlike the US Navy's focus on distant power projection, China’s carriers are designed for defense within an anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) "bubble" in the First Island Chain. This strategic move limits US naval access while allowing China freedom to operate within its perceived sphere of influence.

With plans to potentially have six aircraft carriers by the 2030s, China aims to dominate the Indo-Pacific region starting with the First Island Chain. The deployment of advanced missile systems, such as the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile, gives China a significant advantage by threatening expensive US aircraft carriers, leading to concerns from regional powers like Japan and India. As these nations ramp up their own military capabilities in response, the balance of power in the region is shifting.

While China's growing carrier fleet showcases its military advancements, challenges remain. The latest carrier, Fujian, equipped with an advanced catapult system for launching heavier and more capable aircraft, signifies technological progress. However, without extensive experience in carrier operations, particularly when compared to the long history of US carrier operations, China faces a steep learning curve.

The deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group to South Korea, alongside military exercises involving Japan and South Korea, underscores the escalating tensions in the region. With North Korean threats on the rise following the security pact with Russia, key players in the Indo-Pacific are intensifying joint training efforts to enhance tactical proficiency and interoperability among their navies.