Article Posted on : - Aug 30, 2013

Chinese Navy's sole aircraft carrier Liaoning. A file photo

BEIJING (PTI): China has said it will build more aircraft carriers apart from the 'Liaoning' to boost its defence and military capabilities.

"There will surely be more addition to Chinese military's first aircraft carrier Liaoning, launched last year," said China's Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun.

China will comprehensively consider the development of aircraft carriers in accordance with the needs of national defence and military building, he added.

Currently, China operates one aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which is based on an unfinished Russian-made carrier. It was commissioned into the Chinese Navy on September 25, 2012. The carrier's original design allows it to carry about 30 fixed-wing aircraft.

China has also developed carrier-borne fighter aircraft called J-15, which will be the main strike aircraft for its carrier fleet. The Liaoning has conducted successful take-off and landing tests of the J-15 fighters.