Fujian
Most prominent event this year was the launch of CV-18 Fujian, the third aircraft carrier for PLAN. Launched on the 17th of June in Shanghai, Fujian represents multiple firsts for PLAN, being the first fully indigenous design constructed, the first CATOBAR — meaning catapult equipped — aircraft carrier and already featuring electromagnetic catapults comparable to the new “EMALS” system on US Navy “Ford”-class carriers. The ship is now fitting out at Jiangnan Shipyard, and state media reported in September that mooring trials have begun. A reasonable estimate would be that fitting out will take up most of 2023, with sea trials to follow.
Amphibs
In further carrier aviation-related developments the third and final Type 075 amphibious assault carrier, hull number 33 Anhui was commissioned on the 10th of November. Whether further hulls will see construction is not yet confirmed. Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai is also finishing work on a Type 071E dock landing ship (LPD) ordered by Thailand. The ship appears to have finished her sea trials and received a hull number. Commissioning may follow soon, although some equipment such as sensors and communication suites have not been installed yet.
Interestingly construction also appears to continue for Type 072A tank landing ships (LST), with the launch of one hull circulating on Chinese social media in July this year. It is unclear at this stage if further LST will be built but this may be a case of recapitalising the existing fleet on a one for one-basis.
Surface combatants
Three programs for major surface combatants saw further developments. The Type 055 “large destroyer” had three more hulls out of eight built commissioned with PLAN, with only one ship still awaiting handover to the Navy. While no visual confirmation exists yet for further vessels under construction, the American Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) claims that production for the type is indeed currently underway.
The second destroyer-program, for further Type 052D multirole destroyers has seen renewed construction after a short pause. Previously 25 Type 052D were built at Jiangnan and Dalian shipyards. Production is now again underway at both yards for seven or more units according to ONI. Five hulls are can be spotted at Dalian, with two of these at a very advanced stage of construction, suggesting a launch soon. Jiangnan appears to be building a further two hulls, with more ships likely to come. It is not yet clear how much these new destroyers will differ in configuration to preceding units, though it is safe to assume they will feature extended flight decks to also accommodate the new Z-20 naval helicopter.
Finally, more units of the Type 054A multirole and ASW-frigate have been built at Hudong in Shanghai and Huangpu in Guangzhou. Initially speculated to comprise a batch of 20 new frigates, bringing the total 054A program up to 50 units, it appears now this effort may be cut short after ten hulls and be followed by the much speculated on Type 054B-frigate. Several hull modules not matching the beam for 054A have been spotted at Hudong, though their identity as 054B remains unconfirmed as of this writing. At least one hull of the new 054A build program, 522 Ziyang, has been commissioned already, suggesting rapid integration of all new frigates into PLAN. This is likely aided also by the Chinese Navy having passed on 22 Type 056 corvettes to the Coast Guard, freeing up resources to focus on designs suitable for antisubmarine (ASW) duties.
Hudong Shipyard is also finishing a contract order for four Type 054AP for Pakistan, with two ships already handed over and another two following soon.
Submarines
Information is less forthcoming on submarine construction. A further modification of the Type 039B “Yuan” diesel-electric submarine, with at least two boats built, was seen in 2021, but details on current production remain uncertain. More importantly however the enlarged construction facilities at Huludao for nuclear powered attack and ballistic missile submarines (SSN & SSBN) appear to have commenced construction. One unidentified SSN was seen on satellite imagery at the facility in April this year. However, whether this indicates construction on a larger scale anytime soon is yet to be confirmed.
Outlook
The outlook for 2023 suggests further notable modernisation and growth for the Chinese Navy. This assessment is based on, but not limited to, construction of 052D destroyers, possibly the new 054B frigate and developments with the facilities for nuclear powered submarines. Any indication of renewed construction also for amphibious hulls or the Type 055 destroyer would only enhance this solid trend further.
