Aircraft carrier progress and national defense dynamics
Recently, the progress of China's third aircraft carrier (referred to as "No. 3") has become a hot topic in the field of national defense. According to the report, the protective cover on the ship's ejection track has been removed, and a full-scale model of a suspected J-15 carrier-based aircraft is faintly visible at the stern of the deck, while the decks in other areas are almost completely emptied. The installation of the close defense system on the outside of the deck is also nearing completion. These indications indicate that the No. 3 ship has basically completed outfitting and mooring tests, and may be followed by comprehensive marine tests. The sea trials of the aircraft carrier are a key link in the construction process, which marks the transition of the aircraft carrier from the static test stage to the dynamic operation stage.
The completion of sea trials means that the aircraft carrier is able to officially join the naval sequence, performing combat and non-combat missions. During the aircraft carrier's sea trials, the navigation, operational, and combat systems will undergo comprehensive and rigorous tests to ensure that the ship's performance and combat readiness meet predetermined standards.
The future of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers
On the other hand, a power unit winning bid announcement issued by Dalian Shipyard has attracted widespread attention. The announcement revealed that the winning bidder for the power plant for a large ship was the Nuclear Power Research and Design Institute, which seems to hint at the possibility that the power system of China's future aircraft carrier may be nuclear-powered. Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers have long-lasting sailing capabilities and a strong power output, allowing them to perform missions around the globe without fuel constraints.
The application of nuclear power systems is subject to rigorous real-world testing, usually on a nuclear-powered icebreaker. The 40,000-ton nuclear-powered icebreaker, which is currently under construction, is an important part of this test. Once successfully tested, the nuclear power system will likely be used on warships, especially the future aircraft carriers 4 and 5. This not only marks a major breakthrough in China's aircraft carrier technology, but also means that the Chinese Navy will have a more powerful ocean-going combat capability.
Aircraft carrier formations and national defense strategy
The aircraft carrier formation is regarded as an important symbol and demonstration of the country's sea power. The formation is usually composed of aircraft carriers as the core, supplemented by destroyers, frigates, supply ships and other ships, forming a complete maritime combat cluster. The formation will also contain at least two attack submarines, hidden beneath the surface of the sea to provide potential protection for the carrier group. This kind of composite military force shows the height of a country's comprehensive national strength and scientific and technological strength. The existence of aircraft carrier formations can not only effectively ensure the safety of the country's sea lanes, but also play an important role in various situations such as international disputes and humanitarian rescue.
Submarine power with sea superiority
As an important part of the naval power, the strategic position of submarines cannot be underestimated. With its excellent concealment and flexibility, attack submarines are able to approach and attack without the enemy's knowledge, and are a powerful weapon for defense and attack at sea. Ballistic missile submarines carrying strategic missiles are an important component of the country's strategic deterrent forces. These "oceanic black fish" operate covertly in the deep sea, providing a solid guarantee for national security. Whether it is an attack submarine or a ballistic missile submarine, its technological content and strategic value are extremely high, and they embody an important indicator of a country's naval science and technology and military strength.
Controversial summary
While China has made significant progress in aircraft carrier and submarine technology, it has also raised international concerns about an intensifying arms race. On the one hand, the development of aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines has enhanced a country's defense capability and international influence; on the other hand, it may also arouse anxiety and tension among neighboring countries, thus promoting a regional or even global arms race. Against this background, how to balance national defense needs with international cooperation and avoid the escalation of the arms race has become an issue worth pondering.