China's Only Serving Aircraft Carrier Is Close to "Full Combat Readiness"

China’s only serving aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has moved closer to full combat readiness after its naval pilots apparently completed their first nighttime take-offs and landings, joining a small group of fliers whose countries have this capability. State broadcaster China Central Television has aired footage that seems to show J-15 fighters taking off and landing on the carrier, which China purchased from the Ukraine and commissioned in 2012. Beijing-based military analyst Li Jie told the People’s Daily that “just a few navies” have acquired the ability to conduct nighttime operations, which are considered more technically challenging.

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