China’s Newest Aircraft Carrier Fujian Launches Jets For the First Time
On September 22, the People’s Liberation Army Navy announced that its third aircraft carrier, Fujian (hull number 18), has completed take off and landing trials of three separate aircraft while out at sea. The announcement marks a breakthrough in the PLAN’s carrier force, as this is the first time that catapult assisted, or CATOBAR, launch and recovery operations have been demonstrated. Fujian was seen earlier, around September 16, transiting through the Taiwan straight and out to the South China Sea. This is the latest in Fujian’s sea trials that began in May of 2024 after outfitting was completed in 2023.
Fujian is the third carrier in the Chinese Navy, with Liaoning and Shandong being in service for thirteen and six years respectively. Fujian, however, is the first Chinese aircraft carrier to be equipped with a catapult launch system similar to that of United States carriers, unlike the other two Chinese carriers that are based upon an older Soviet design that utilized a ramp system. Fujian’s catapults are also utilizing an electromagnetic launch system, allowing for larger aircraft payloads and higher sortie rates.
During the trials, it was reported that three separate aircraft were launched and recovered. This includes one of China’s latest fighter jets, the J-35, the J-15T fighter jet, and the KongJing-600 early warning aircraft. These are the three main aircraft types that are expected to equip Fujian in the future. This makes China the second nation in the world to demonstrate the ability to launch stealth fighter jets from an aircraft carrier, second only to the Lockheed Martin F-35.
Overall, this marks a significant breakthrough in the PLAN’s modernization and capability, as Fujian makes further progress towards commissioning and IOC status. While Fujian is currently the only ship in the Type-003 class and no other examples are planned, the knowledge gained from Fujian’s construction and trials are expected to be applied to China’s next aircraft carrier, the Type 004. One of China’s current goals for the PLAN is to have six operational aircraft carriers by 2035, granting a massive increase in capability and power projection for the fleet at large. While this milestone is important however, Fujian is still not yet a commissioned ship and will take some time to reach initial operational capability within the fleet.