Chinese aircraft carriers

Japan Publishes Map of Chinese Carrier Drills, Raising Regional Tensions

In a rare move, the Japanese Defense Ministry publicly released a map charting the movements of China’s two aircraft carriers from May 25th to June 5th. This unprecedented action underscores the significance of the carriers’ simultaneous Pacific operations, a development seen as a notable expansion of Chinese naval power. The map’s release aimed to highlight the unusual length of these joint carrier exercises. Such transparency regarding foreign naval movements is atypical for the ministry.

The Issues

Two Chinese Carriers Appear in Pacific, Raising Concerns About Naval Drone Warfare

Two Chinese aircraft carriers, a sight previously unseen in the Pacific, have been observed by Japan. This development warrants a closer look at the implications, particularly given the evolving landscape of naval warfare. One carrier is a refurbished, ex-Soviet vessel, primarily serving as a training platform for Chinese naval aviators. The other is a domestically built carrier, though still based on Soviet designs.

Both carriers utilize a ski-jump launch system instead of a catapult, a limitation affecting the fuel and payload capacity of launched aircraft. This design choice, while perhaps practical for training, presents a strategic disadvantage in a full-scale conflict.… Continue reading

Matt Underwood Jun 10, 2025

Chinese aircraft carriers

Japan Publishes Map of Chinese Carrier Drills, Raising Regional Tensions

Two Chinese Carriers Appear in Pacific, Raising Concerns About Naval Drone Warfare

Stories You May Have Missed

Kash Patel Ordered FBI Detail to Drive Girlfriend’s Friend Home: Backlash

State Department to Deny Visas to Fact-Checkers, Critics, Citing Censorship Concerns

EU’s Proposed Ukraine Loan: Defiance of Trump and Putin?

Trump Voters’ Third Term Desire Debunked Amidst Constitutionality Concerns