News Story: Chinese Carrier's Purported Air Wing Deemed Plausible but Limited

By WENDELL MINNICK

TAIPEI — New details have emerged on the aircraft lineup for the new carrier Liaoning, which analysts say is a “plausible” mix of foreign-designed fighter jets and various helicopters, yet limited due to its lack of other necessary aircraft.

According to the Aug. 28 edition of the Chinese-language Shanghai Morning Post, the carrier will house 36 aircraft, including:

■ 24 Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark fighters.

■ 6 Changhe Z-18F anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

■ 4 Changhe Z-18J airborne early warning helicopters.

■ 2 Harbin Z-9C rescue helicopters.

The article was based on quotes from Cao Dongwei, senior colonel and researcher at the People’s Liberation Army Naval Research Institute. The Liaoning is a refurbished Soviet-era Varyag aircraft carrier procured in 1998 by China and commissioned in 2012.

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