Chinese Navy conducts first drills with both aircraft carriers in the South China Sea

(CLO) The two active aircraft carriers of the Chinese navy - Liaoning and Shandong - have completed their first dual-carrier exercise in the South China Sea, CCTV reported on October 31.

China's Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers have conducted their first dual-carrier formation exercise in the South China Sea, according to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Shandong and Liaoning ships conduct joint exercises in the East Sea. Photo: Xinhua

The report did not provide details of the exercise, but footage showed multiple J-15 fighters taking off from the Liaoning aircraft carrier, with at least a dozen fighters taking part. The two aircraft carriers could be seen moving side by side.

At least 11 escort ships, including destroyers, frigates and supply ships, also participated in the exercise.

The PLA Navy currently operates two carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong. China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, was launched on June 17, 2022. The new carrier, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, began sea trials on May 1 this year.

Ngoc Anh (according to CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, Global Times)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hai-quan-trung-quoc-lan-dau-tap-tran-voi-ca-2-tau-san-bay-o-bien-dong-post319491.html