'Liaoning' may conduct trials on high seas  

辽宁舰今年或将进行远海试验 将组建舰载机部队

据央视消息，全国人大代表张永义日前接受媒体访问时透露，今年辽宁舰“可能进行远海试验，航母的远海试验是必经的一个过程。任何一条航母要真正的定型，实现作战能力，必须要进行远海试验。”

Beijing (CNS) -- China's first aircraft carrier the Liaoning may conduct trials in international waters this year, a military official said on Tuesday.

"Testing aircraft carriers on the high seas is a necessary process. Any aircraft carrier, if it wants to obtain combat ability, should complete a high-sea test," said Zhang Yongyi, deputy to the National People's Congress and commander-in-chief of the carrier's sea trials.

"We will build our own carrier-based aircraft force in the near future," he added.

So far, the Liaoning has successfully completed 12 sea trials, Zhang said, and new pilots have been selected for training.

The Liaoning will further enhance landing and formation training this year, he said.

After the two training sessions are completed, the carrier will be able to train in any high sea area, he said.