lcloo
Major
I somehow have doubt that PLAN aircraft carriers need to cruise at 26 knots constantly in current and near future needs. We are imposing the 26 knots need based on other navy's needs, example USN aircraft carrier needs to sprint at 26 knots from West coast navy port of US continent to Japan or Guam, or from the East coast USA to Arabian sea. Speed is essential for US World police roles, or to go round the Cape of Good Hope from North Atlantics to Arabian Gulf.
Unless China wants to be another World police, then their main operational areas will still be on the West Pacific. The mission roles of China's aircraft carrier groups would still mainly on denying USN combat groups interventions in West Pacific and South China Sea.
Since PLAN's operations are still regional, they can easily reach any location with 2,000km from any Chinese shores within days with carrier base aircrafts and shore base aircraft with support of tankers.
May be in the far future when China changed its mind and decided to go on global combat patrol with its aircraft battle group, then we would be seeing another new type of real high speed replenishment support ships in the dry dock, but not now.
Unless China wants to be another World police, then their main operational areas will still be on the West Pacific. The mission roles of China's aircraft carrier groups would still mainly on denying USN combat groups interventions in West Pacific and South China Sea.
Since PLAN's operations are still regional, they can easily reach any location with 2,000km from any Chinese shores within days with carrier base aircrafts and shore base aircraft with support of tankers.
May be in the far future when China changed its mind and decided to go on global combat patrol with its aircraft battle group, then we would be seeing another new type of real high speed replenishment support ships in the dry dock, but not now.
