An excellent die-cast metal miniature flagship model from Albatros, this very impressive waterline model is now in available. Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark aircraft are available to purchase separately (product no. Alk-Z11, 54598) at additional cost.
The first Chinese aircraft carrier, Liaoning commissioned into the People's Liberation Army Navy on 25th September 2012. This new/old ship was originally laid down in 1988 as a Admiral Kuznetsov class multirole aircraft carrier for the Soviet Navy but never completed. Purchased in 1998 by the People's Republic of China and towed to Dalian Shipyard in north eastern China, the ship was completely rebuilt and underwent sea trials, before commissioning into the PLAN.
In December 2013 the carrier is reported to have narrowly missed colliding with the USS Cowpens in the South China Sea, as tension mounts over China's announcement of an air defense zone.