Known by the NATO designation "Modified Kuznetsov Class," the Type 002 aircraft carrier Shandong is a monumental symbol of the People's Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) rapidly growing blue-water capability. Launched in 2017 and commissioned in December 2019, the Shandong is an optimized evolution of the Soviet-designed Liaoning, featuring increased deck and hangar space to support a larger air wing of Shenyang J-15 "Flying Shark" fighters. The carrier is routinely deployed for power projection, having conducted multiple far-seas operations in the Western Pacific and the South China Sea, often near Taiwan and the Philippines, with a recent high-profile visit to Hong Kong in July 2025. This operational tempo has quickly matured the PLAN’s carrier aviation, with official reports confirming the ship has successfully launched and recovered nearly 10,000 aircraft sorties in just five years, solidifying its role as a combat-ready platform.

Learn more about the Modified Kuznetsov Class and 54 other vessels in service with the China's People's Liberation Army in our China's People's Liberation Army Edition of Ship Recognition Playing Cards deck!