Type 002-class (Shandong / CV-17)

The first indigenously constructed aircraft carrier for the People's Liberation Army Navy, the Shandong represents a significant step in China's naval development. A modified variant of the Soviet Kuznetsov-class, its construction began in late 2013, with the vessel's existence being officially confirmed by the Chinese government only in December 2015 when the build was already well advanced. The ship was launched in April 2017 and, following an extensive period of fitting-out and sea trials, was formally commissioned into service in December 2019. It achieved initial operating capability in October 2020, significantly faster than its predecessor, the Liaoning.

Designated a Type 002 carrier, the vessel operates using a Short Take-Off, Barrier-Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system, featuring a prominent ski-jump ramp for launching aircraft. Its propulsion is provided by conventional oil-fired boilers driving steam turbines. While visually similar to the Liaoning, the Shandong incorporates numerous modifications aimed at enhancing aviation capabilities. The island superstructure is smaller, and internal space, originally allocated for anti-ship missile silos in the Soviet design, has been repurposed for additional hangar capacity. These changes allow for an expanded air wing, typically consisting of Shenyang J-15 fighters alongside Changhe Z-18 and Harbin Z-9 helicopters. Defensive armament is composed of close-in weapon systems and short-range surface-to-air missile launchers.

Unlike its predecessor, which has primarily been used for training, the Shandong was intended for regular operational service from the outset. Following its commissioning, the carrier has been actively deployed in numerous high-profile military exercises. It has operated extensively in the Philippine Sea and South China Sea, conducting simulated air and sea strikes on targets around Taiwan and at times sailing in proximity to Japanese islands and the U.S. territory of Guam. The vessel has participated in the first dual-carrier drills for the Chinese navy alongside the Liaoning, rehearsing complex tactics such as coordinated air defense and surface attacks. The carrier has also sailed beyond the Second Island Chain and conducted a visit to Hong Kong.