Fujian-class aircraft carrier reaches a significant milestone with its initial catapult launch - Fujian's Naval Vessel Marks a Significant Milestone with its Initial Catapult Launch
China's Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier is set to revolutionise the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) naval aviation capabilities, thanks to its integration of an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and a technologically advanced air wing.
The Fujian is China's first carrier to employ EMALS, a system that enables the efficient launch of heavier and more diverse aircraft, including stealth fighters like the J-35 and advanced airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft such as the KJ-600. This system provides a precise, faster, and smoother launch process, reducing stress on aircraft and increasing sortie rates, thereby enhancing combat readiness and operational flexibility.
With a displacement of approximately 80,000 to 85,000 tons, the Fujian is conventionally powered, making it larger and more capable than China's earlier carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, though still smaller than the U.S. Ford-class carriers. Its flight deck hosts three EMALS catapults and four arrestor wires, facilitating the launch and recovery of about 50-60 aircraft, including J-15 fighters, J-35 stealth fighters, KJ-600 AEW aircraft, Z-18 and Z-9 helicopters, as well as future UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).
Strategically, the Fujian's capabilities significantly enhance the PLAN’s power projection. The integration of EMALS and a larger, technologically advanced air wing equips China to contest air and sea supremacy more effectively, extending its influence far beyond its coastlines and challenging U.S. naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. The carrier's advanced radar and sensor suite, with a pyramidal-shaped island designed to reduce radar cross-section, improves survivability and situational awareness, crucial for modern naval warfare.
By commissioning the Fujian, China effectively operationalises a carrier fleet of three ships, enabling continuous carrier presence and rotational deployments, which is vital for sustained blue-water naval operations and strategic deterrence. The carrier's air wing, particularly the introduction of the J-35 stealth fighter and the KJ-600 AEW aircraft, reflects China's progress towards technological self-reliance and modernisation in naval aviation.
In summary, the Type 003 Fujian combines electromagnetic catapult technology with a robust and diverse air wing to mark a qualitative leap in China's carrier capabilities. It symbolises a strategic shift allowing China to more effectively project power at sea, assert control over contested maritime domains, and compete with established naval powers.
It is worth noting that the Fujian's catapult launch technology is also suitable for drones, reflecting China's focus on integrating unmanned systems into its naval operations. The Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier, follows the unfinished Soviet model "Varyag" and the Type 002 Shandong, both of which were based on Soviet designs.
China's military shipbuilding industry benefits greatly from the capacities, personnel, and know-how of the world's largest shipyards, due to its strong civilian shipbuilding industry. This close link between civilian and military shipbuilding industries provides a seamless transfer of resources and expertise to military shipbuilding, contributing to China's rapid advancement in naval technology.
China is currently upgrading its navy, with a focus on amphibious assault ships, Type-055-class combat ships, and aircraft carriers. The Fujian, though not powered by a nuclear reactor, represents a significant advance for the Chinese navy, closing the technological gap with the U.S.'s most modern aircraft carrier class, the "USS Gerald Ford". However, it is worth mentioning that the USS Gerald Ford accommodates about 100 jets, while the Fujian's air wing comprises 60 to 70 aircraft.
As a leading manufacturer of merchant ships, China holds a market share of about 50 percent for container ships and bulk carriers, further demonstrating its industrial prowess. The commissioning of the Fujian is a testament to China's commitment to expanding its global maritime presence, with plans to build a fleet of four to six modern aircraft carriers by 2035.
[1] South China Morning Post. (2021, May 14). China's Type 003 aircraft carrier undergoes sea trials, as Beijing eyes a fleet of six carriers by 2035. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3130432/chinas-type-003-aircraft-carrier-undergoes-sea-trials-beijing
[2] Defense News. (2021, May 14). China's Type 003 aircraft carrier undergoes sea trials. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/05/14/chinas-type-003-aircraft-carrier-undergoes-sea-trials/
[3] The Diplomat. (2021, May 14). China's Type 003 Aircraft Carrier Completes Sea Trials as Beijing Eyes Fleet Expansion. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/chinas-type-003-aircraft-carrier-completes-sea-trials-as-beijing-eyes-fleet-expansion/
[4] Defense Tech. (2021, May 14). Type 003 Aircraft Carrier Completes Sea Trials. Retrieved from https://www.defensetech.org/2021/05/14/type-003-aircraft-carrier-completes-sea-trials/
The Type 003 aircraft carrier, located in China's Fujian region, is integrating advanced technology into its operations, as evident in its adoption of an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). This system not only enables the launch of heavier and diverse aircraft but also provides a precise, faster, and smoother launch process, enhancing combat readiness and operational flexibility.
The technologically advanced air wing of the Fujian aircraft carrier, comprising aircraft such as the J-35 stealth fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, reflects China's strides towards technological self-reliance and modernisation in naval aviation.
