Ashhar Alam

While countries like the US face budget constraints and production bottlenecks in building warships and submarines, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) continues to expand at an unprecedented pace. In 2025, Chinese shipyards commissioned at least 18 naval vessels, though the exact number remains uncertain due to the secretive nature of some submarine programs.

The aircraft carrier Fujian, China’s largest to date, was the highlight of the year. Measuring over 300 meters and displacing roughly 80,000 tonnes, Fujian is the country’s first carrier with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, enabling operations of advanced aircraft like the J-35 fighter, J-15T, and KJ-600 early-warning plane. The carrier was formally commissioned in November at Sanya Naval Base, with President Xi Jinping attending. Analysts have also spotted a fourth carrier under construction, likely to be nuclear-powered, signaling further modernization.

Amphibious capabilities grew with the induction of the Type 075 Hubei and Type 076 Sichuan assault ships, designed for helicopters, drones, and amphibious operations. The PLAN also commissioned several surface combatants, including seven Type 052D destroyers and Type 054AG frigates, while preparing for the next-generation Type 055 destroyers. These vessels feature upgraded radar, weapons, and combat systems, enhancing China’s long-range strike and air-defense capabilities.

Submarine production, though shrouded in secrecy, continues to evolve. The PLAN focuses on Type 093B nuclear-powered attack submarines and plans for Type 094/094A SSBNs, strengthening its nuclear deterrent. Diesel-electric sub fleets like Type 039C continue in service, while China also supplies submarines to Pakistan and Thailand.

Logistical support is expanding as well, with Type 903/903A replenishment oilers, the larger Type 901, and the Silk Road Ark hospital ship ensuring sustained operations across the globe. The PLAN also tested innovative landing barges and coordinated floating barriers of fishing vessels—demonstrating advanced gray-zone tactics that could complicate adversary navigation and port access.

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Experts note that China is increasingly capable of operating submarines in the Arctic, potentially for strategic deterrence, echoing concerns raised in Western intelligence assessments. The combination of carriers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious ships, submarines, and auxiliary vessels underscores China’s ambition to project naval power across the world’s oceans.

With continued innovation, including unmanned systems and amphibious technologies, 2026 is expected to see further PLAN growth, strengthening Beijing’s maritime influence and strategic reach.