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| Chinas New Carrier Under-Construction (File Photo) |
Aircraft carriers have become the ultimate accessory for Asia’s aspiring powers. If you have one – or, even better, a collection – then you’re in the big-power club; if you don’t, you’re still just toiling in the minor leagues of world affairs. Even so, the regional carrier competition has reached a new level of intensity of late, as Japan, India and China (kind of) unveiled new ships within days of each other.
China only half counts because it wasn’t a complete aircraft carrier that came to light in a series of long-lens photos splashed across the wonkier parts of the internet; rather, it was a section of one under construction at a Shanghainese shipyard. But it was still an important revelation – proof that China’s first indigenous carrier is taking shape and that PLA Navy commanders are getting closer to realising their own briny version of the China Dream, namely a fleet of carriers capable of projecting power around the world.
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| India's New Carrier Under-Construction (File Photo) |
China already has one carrier, the Liaoning, but it’s an old ship originally built by the Soviet Union. Having a brand new carrier, and most importantly one you constructed yourself, bestows a whole new level of prestige.
India has generally struggled to keep pace with China’s rapid military modernisation, but in terms of aircraft carriers it actually has its nose in front. The Indians launched their first indigenous carrier, INS Vikrant, last week. For all the national fanfare, the ship is far from complete, and won’t enter active service for at least five years.
Read the full story at China Defense MashUp
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| Japans Izumo Helicopter Destroyer (File Photo) |