China’s next carrier could be its longest – what are Beijing’s plans?

China’s next aircraft carrier could be longer than the US Navy’s largest warship, according to new satellite images that offer fresh clues about how far from home Beijing intends to operate its fleet – and the logistics it will need to do so.

Captured on September 4, the images show that work has begun on the bulbous bow of the carrier under construction at Dalian Shipyard in northeastern China, defence intelligence company Janes reported last week.

Measurements from the stern to the projected tip of the bow suggest an eventual overall length of 336 metres (1,100 feet) to 339 metres, according to Janes. That would put the ship on a par with the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s newest carrier, which Janes puts at about 333 metres.

It would also make the vessel roughly 20 metres longer than the Fujian, China’s most advanced carrier, which entered service last November.