China to Deploy “Advanced ” UAS on Aircraft Carrier

China to Deploy “Advanced ” UAS on Aircraft Carrier

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Experts say that China may use its first aircart carrier for the operation of different types of UAS.

הספינה האוקראינית מובלת לסין, 2001 (מקור: Wikimedia Commons)
The Liaoning was originally purchased from Ukraine and towed to China. 2001. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Beijing’s first aircraft carrier has returned from a training mission in the South China Sea, state media said, completing a 37-day deployment carried out amid mounting regional tensions.

The newly-commissioned Liaoning returned to its home port of Qingdao after carrying out a series of trials with “aircraft, naval vessels and submarines”, China’s official news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday. “China’s first aircraft carrier successfully completed 37 days testing and training in the South China Sea,” said the report, which the defense ministry posted on its website.

The mission was carried out at a time of heightened tensions between China and its neighbors over territorial disputes. Beijing declared air defense rights over much of the East China Sea in November, provoking a furious international reaction. China also claims almost the whole of the South China Sea, even areas close to the coasts of other littoral states.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

During the training mission Washington issued a formal protest after military officials said a US warship was forced to manoeuvre to avoid a collision with a Chinese naval vessel – reportedly part of the group escorting the Liaoning – that had “posed a threat” in the South China Sea.

The Liaoning is a refurbished vessel purchased from Ukraine. It went into service in September 2012, and top naval commanders have promised the country will have more aircraft carriers.

China successfully flew a stealth drone for the first time recently, state media said, citing eyewitness reports. Late last year China has test flown its “Sharp Sword” UAS which is believed to be stealthy. China has been developing stealth aircraft in recent years, including J-20 and J-31 stealth fighters.