Sword Finger Deep Blue! How strong is the configuration of Liaoning carrier formation?, Chicheng Ocean Liaoning Ship | Formation | Aircraft Carrier

Under the scorching sun and the gentle sea breeze, the Chinese Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier formation is writing a vast chapter in the depths of the sea. With a roar of fighter jets, missiles pierced through the sky, and swords pointed deep blue!

The aircraft carrier formation is composed of the aircraft carrier itself, surface escort vessels, submarines, carrier based aircraft, and other major forces. The interior of the formation is a complex combat system consisting of three parts: the command and control system of the formation, the platform of the mother ship, and the carrier based aircraft combat system.

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On the morning of November 26, 2013, China's first aircraft carrier Liaoning set sail from Qingdao, heading towards the South China Sea and conducting scientific research experiments and military training activities in nearby waters. In this mission, the Liaoning ship did not operate alone, but formed a formation. The formation includes two Type 051C destroyers, Shenyang and Shijiazhuang, and two Type 054A frigates, Yantai and Weifang. This is China's first aircraft carrier battle group!

Cheng Haixia

Navy Liaoning Ship

My own aircraft carrier crossed the Taiwan Strait, and a sense of pride arose naturally.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier formation entering the South China Sea immediately carried out scientific research experiments and military training activities.

Liu Lijiao

Researcher at the Naval Research Institute

For the first time, an aircraft carrier formation has emerged from the Taiwan Strait in the form of a formation, marking a historic step for the People's Navy to move from the near sea to the far sea.

In December 2016, the Liaoning ship was sailing in the Miyako Strait and was about to cross the first island chain. Many officers and soldiers are eager to witness this historic moment.

The first island chain is a necessary route for the Chinese Navy to reach the western Pacific. The vast Western Pacific is a natural training ground for many navies, and of course, the Chinese navy cannot be absent.

Cui Yonggang

Captain of Navy Liaoning Ship

We need to be prepared for war at any time and conduct daily training according to the standards of war. We must have the will and determination to fight, and be able to carry out combat operations according to the orders of our superiors without any conditions.

Taking the baptism of wind and waves as a steel drill to forge the combat effectiveness of aircraft carriers, and focusing on effective deployment of aircraft carrier fleets in deep-sea combat, is the mission and task of Liaoning carrier fleets to transform into strong ones in the open sea.

On July 1, 2017, the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the People's Liberation Army Navy Liaoning Fleet sailed towards Hong Kong. More than 700 aircraft carrier officers and soldiers lined up on the flight deck of the Liaoning ship to list the words "Hello Hong Kong" and extend warm greetings to Hong Kong compatriots in a unique way unique to the navy.

Zhang Naigang

Navy Liaoning Ship

Some citizens are much more enthusiastic and excited than we imagined. After coming up, some are kissing the flight deck, while others are cheering with tears in their eyes.

The arrival of the Liaoning carrier formation has allowed Hong Kong citizens to personally experience the tremendous achievements of the construction of the Chinese navy, and has also brought a full sense of security to Hong Kong compatriots.

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Although the aircraft carrier itself is equipped with defense systems such as anti-aircraft missiles and electronic warfare equipment, it has certain defense capabilities. However, defense above medium range still requires a certain number of ships to complete. The frigate has taken on this crucial role.

A frigate is a surface combat vessel primarily equipped with missiles, naval guns, depth charges, and anti submarine torpedoes. In the Liaoning carrier formation, the Type 054A missile frigate plays an important role.

Wang Hongsheng

Lecturer at Dalian Naval Academy

The Type 054A frigate is a relatively balanced vessel that primarily undertakes close range interception operations against enemy submarines, as well as interception of incoming torpedoes and anti-ship missiles in aircraft carrier formations.

In the 1950s, China imported four destroyers from the Soviet Union, known as the "Four Great Kings". In the most difficult era of coastal defense in New China, they played a pivotal role.

Liu Lijiao

Researcher at the Naval Research Institute

In 1971, China's first missile destroyer was the domestically produced Jinan ship. Afterwards, China successively developed its first large tonnage missile destroyer 051B, regional air defense missile destroyer 052C, and domestically produced 052D.

Song Jiannan once served as the deputy captain of the 052D missile destroyer "Urumqi" and has rich navigation experience. He told us about his experience of going out to sea with a destroyer and training aircraft carrier formations.

Song Jiannan

Navy Liaoning Ship

After going out, I practiced many courses, such as contract sea assault, joint air defense, anti submarine, formation anti submarine, and some confrontations.

In January 2020, the first ship of the Chinese Navy's Type 055 destroyer, the Nanchang ship, was officially put into service at a military port in Qingdao.

In April 2021, the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation went to the waters near Taiwan for training, and the Type 055 destroyer Nanchang appeared for the first time in the aircraft carrier formation to escort the Liaoning ship. The Type 055 destroyer will be the main air defense force of China's future aircraft carrier formation, laying a solid foundation for the overall combat capability of the Chinese aircraft carrier formation.

In September 2017, the new comprehensive supply ship of the Chinese Navy was officially announced for service, which increased the combat effectiveness of the Liaoning carrier fleet in long-range missions and played an important role in promoting the Chinese Navy's advance into deep blue and enhancing the combat effectiveness of the carrier fleet.

As an important symbol of the military strength of the Chinese Navy, the Chinese aircraft carrier fleet will inevitably continue to play the role of a national treasure.

Yin Zhuo

military expert

We have become a great navy. China's navy must be led by aircraft carrier formations and nuclear submarines, heading towards the open sea.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier formation broke through the island chain, sharpened its swords in the South China Sea, and engaged in military exercises in the Western Pacific, with its trajectory moving further and further. Nowadays, with the continuous launch of domestic aircraft carriers, the Liaoning ship is no longer alone, and together with the Shandong and Fujian ships, it shoulders the responsibility and glorious mission of defending national sovereignty and security!