Here’s a concise update on the Liaoning (CV-16) based on recent publicly reported activity.
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Operational status and deployments: The Liaoning has continued to serve as a core element of the PLAN’s carrier strike group operations, including participation in training and sea trials after periodic maintenance. Reports in 2024–2025 indicate the ship remained active and involved in naval drills, including exercises around Taiwan and in the South China Sea, signaling an ongoing capability to train and operate with carrier aviation.[3][4]
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Recent movements and exercises: In late 2024 to 2025, there were indications that the Liaoning participated in combined carrier operations alongside other PLAN carriers, with imagery and summaries noting joint training scenarios and the ship’s role in airborne operations from a STOBAR configuration. This aligns with China’s broader pattern of progressively increasing carrier activity and aircraft integration aboard Liaoning, Shandong, and later Fujian.[4][3]
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Context and outlook: The Liaoning remains a relatively older but still active platform in the PLAN carrier fleet, often used for training, carrier-air wing development, and as a baseline for doctrinal experimentation in conjunction with newer carriers like Shandong and Fujian. Observers note that China’s carrier force is evolving rapidly, with multiple carriers conducting exercises in parallel or in sequence to push joint operations capability.[3][4]
Illustration: A typical carrier group involving Liaoning includes an air wing, destroyer escorts, and support ships, with the ship operating STOBAR takeoff/landing procedures and training missions that gradually expand flight operations and maintenance cycles. This mirrors published analyses of Chinese carrier activity and capabilities during 2023–2025.[4][3]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest press releases or satellite-tracked movement reports to provide a tighter, date-specific snapshot and include citations.
Sources
Recent satellite imagery suggests that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) may be preparing for a notable joint deployment of its aircraft carriers, the
news.ssbcrack.comPour la première fois, cette semaine, les trois porte-avions chinois, le Liaoning, le Shandong et le Fujian, ont mené des entrainements et des essais à la
meta-defense.frPage details technical specifications, development, operational history of the CNS Liaoning (16) Conventionally-Powered Aircraft Carrier including pictures.
www.militaryfactory.comIn recent days, two aircraft carriers of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) concluded one of the most significant and unusual deployments of recent%
www.zona-militar.comChina conducts the first dual carrier op with both operational aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong in the South China Sea.
www.navalnews.comLe 18 septembre, le ministère japonais de la Défense a signalé que le porte-avions chinois CNS Liaoning avait navigué pour la première fois dans la zone
www.opex360.comUn symbole fort, mais il n'est pas sûr que le bâtiment soit vite opérationnel.
www.lefigaro.fr