The Chinese Navy has enhanced its ability to launch multiple aircraft, closing the gap on a capability that was once exclusive to the US Navy.

Both of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)’s two aircraft carriers are presently operating in the western Pacific. According to Japanese officials, the Chinese warships have conducted more than 100 sorties in the past week, with over 1,000 takeoffs and landings carried out in recent months.

The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has been closely monitoring the movements of the PLAN’s two operational carriers, the Type 001 Liaoning and the Type 002 Shandong. Each flattop has been attempting to increase its launch and recovery capabilities. Both of China’s conventionally-powered aircraft carriers trail the US Navy in the number of aircraft sorties.

The Japan Times, citing JSDF figures, reported that between June 8 and June 16, the domestically-built Type 002 Shandong was able to average “28 sorties per day.” The Soviet-built and Chinese-refurbished Type 001 Liaoning was able to carry out 41 launches and recoveries, and reached “90 sorties on two separate days.” By comparison, the US Navy’s Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarriers can average 120 daily sorties.

The disparity between the capabilities of the Chinese carriers and those of the US Navy is not a surprise. Both of the PLAN’s currently operational flattops employ a ski jump ramp, whereas the US Navy’s Nimitz-class warships are equipped with steam-powered catapults.

Beijing could significantly close the sortie gap with the Type 003 Fujian, China’s first domestically-designed aircraft carrier. Although the warship is conventionally powered, it is outfitted with electromagnetic catapults that promise to enhance its capability to launch aircraft. Moreover, the Type 003 Fujian is expected to operate alongside China’s Shenyang J-35 twin-engine, fifth-generation, carrier-capable multirole fighter. Its most recent sea trials, conducted last month, included flight operations with the J-35.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that “China’s aircraft carrier technology is marking a historic leap” in terms of combat capability. The Type 003, which is expected to complete its sea trials this year, will be able to carry out “deck load strikes,” the ability to rapidly launch a significant number of aircraft from the flight deck. It is based on the “Alpha Strikes” that were famously carried out by the United States. The number and mix of aircraft involved in such an operation varied, but it typically involved launching half of all the warplanes in a very short order.

As was demonstrated by the US Navy, such strikes could be employed to target enemy airfields, air defenses, and even critical infrastructure such as power plants and factories. China may seek to replicate these tactics with its newest and most capable carrier.

“Sortieing as many aircraft as possible in the first wave of attack to destroy, suppress, and deter enemy targets enables the carrier to secure air superiority, establish maritime dominance, or support landing operations,” Chinese military analyst Cao Weidong told CCTV.

“In warfare, this allows the carrier to achieve first detection, first strike in the initial attack, inflicting significant damage, and securing a strategic advantage,” Cao added.

The United States Navy has been the only force truly capable of carrying out such strikes; however, China may be closing the gap. Factor in Beijing’s increased emphasis on drones, and it is clear that the PLAN is planning to take control of the sky.