Buckle Up: Top 14Expensive Military Rides on the Planet
12. China's Liaoning Aircraft Carrier
Manufacturers: Dalian Shipbuilding Industry, Nevoskye Planning and Design, and Mykolaiv South The People's Liberation Army and the Navy Surface Force are the main users. Cost: $120 million* for the program/unit (FY 2002) The Soviet Union first created the Liaoning under the name "Varyag." Nevertheless, the Soviet Union broke up before Varyag could be finished, so the Russian government decided to cut its losses and sold Varyag to the Chinese, who renamed it Liaoning. When Liaoning was 68% finished, the Soviets sold it off.
Liaoning Aircraft Carrier (China)
The Liaoning, commissioned in 2002, is the first Type 001 aircraft carrier of the Chinese Navy. Originally constructed as a military training ship, it has played a pivotal role in advancing China's naval capabilities. In 2019, Chinese government-run media announced plans to convert the Liaoning into a fully operational fighting ship, reflecting the nation’s commitment to enhancing its maritime power.
This significant transformation signifies a strategic shift as the Chinese Navy seeks to expand its operational reach and modernize its fleet. The Liaoning serves as a vital platform for aircraft operations, training, and naval exercises, contributing to the overall mission of strengthening China's naval presence.
In conclusion, the Liaoning aircraft carrier represents a milestone in China's naval development. Its evolution from a training vessel to a combat-ready ship underscores the growing importance of aircraft carriers in modern naval warfare and highlights China's ambitions on the global stage.
