China’s second active aircraft carrier Shandong achieved “all-weather” combat capacity in the year 2024, while cutting time needed for jet deployment, according to state news agency Xinhua.
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It also said the vessel had recently returned to port after concluding its final maritime training mission for the year.
“Compared to its early days, the carrier has significantly reduced aircraft launch preparation times, improved consecutive sortie readiness, and achieved round-the-clock all-weather operational capability in complex conditions,” Xinhua said in a report on Tuesday.
The report highlighted the warship’s critical role in the Joint Sword exercises around Taiwan, held since April 2023, including a 13-hour drill in October focused on sea-and air-combat readiness and port blockades.
The October exercise by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) saw fighter jets launched from the Shandong as it operated east of Taiwan, mainland state media reported earlier.
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