Beijing sets sail toward naval supremacy with third aircraft carrier Fujian

June 17 marks the third anniversary of the launch of the Fujian, China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with cutting-edge electromagnetic catapults.

According to Chinese state-affiliated media outlet Global Times, the country is on the verge of entering a new phase in naval development, with three operational aircraft carriers — once the Fujian is commissioned, likely by 2025.

Launched on June 17, 2022, the Fujian began its maiden sea trial between May 1 and 8, 2024. Since then, the ship has undergone multiple trials and has accumulated over 100 days at sea.

Military analyst Wei Dongxu said that Fujian has shown consistent progress during its testing phase, reinforcing expectations that it will be officially inducted into service within the year.

With a full displacement exceeding 80,000 tons, the Fujian is the world’s first conventionally powered carrier to adopt electromagnetic catapult technology, previously used only by nuclear-powered vessels like the US Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford. The Fujian will be capable of launching a broad range of aircraft, including fighter jets, airborne early warning and control aircraft, anti-submarine planes, and drones.

The vessel is China’s third aircraft carrier, following the Liaoning, which was commissioned in 2012, and the Shandong, launched in 2019 as the country's first domestically built carrier. Both earlier carriers employ ski-jump ramps for aircraft takeoffs, in contrast to Fujian’s more advanced catapult-assisted system.

Speaking to the Global Times, another military affairs expert, Fu Qianshao, highlighted the technical complexity of the Fujian, which is also expected to host next-generation aircraft like the J-35 stealth fighter jet. Fu noted that its advanced systems necessitate longer testing periods compared to its predecessors, but he believes the ship will still be combat-ready by 2025.

Wei also emphasised the strategic role of China’s growing carrier fleet. “Unlike Western naval alliances, which tend to act in coordinated military blocs, especially in the Western Pacific, China’s expanding carrier force strengthens self-defence while contributing to peace and regional stability,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova