Archive · 11 Nov 2025
China Commissions Advanced Fujian Aircraft Carrier
China has launched a new and advanced aircraft carrier called the Fujian.
It's their third one and is much more powerful than their older carriers.
The Fujian uses special electromagnetic catapults, which are like powerful slingshots, to launch planes.
This allows heavier planes, like stealth fighters and early warning planes, to take off quickly with more fuel and weapons.
This means the Fujian can have a larger and more diverse group of aircraft ready for missions.
This new carrier is a big step in China's plan to build a stronger navy.
It can launch planes faster and with a longer reach than older carriers that use a ramp to take off.
While China is advancing its carrier technology, the US is reportedly considering going back to older steam catapults for its new carriers, despite the advantages of the new electromagnetic ones.
China has commissioned its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which utilizes electromagnetic catapults.
The Fujian is capable of launching heavier aircraft with greater fuel and payload, enabling a more diverse and capable air wing.
Its advanced catapult system allows for faster aircraft launches and higher sortie rates with longer strike ranges.
The Fujian is assessed to carry an estimated 50-60 fixed-wing aircraft, including stealth fighters and airborne early warning aircraft.
This advancement signifies a significant step in China's military modernization and naval power projection capabilities.
- Who
- China
- What
- Commissioning of the Fujian, its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, featuring electromagnetic catapults.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Hainan province
- Why
- To enhance naval power projection capabilities and modernize its military.
US Perspective
Chinese Capability
Catapult Technology
US Perspective
US President Trump has directed the US Navy to revert to steam-powered catapults for future Ford-class carriers, despite EMALS' advantages in near-peer warfare.
Chinese Capability
China's Fujian aircraft carrier features energy-efficient, next-generation electromagnetic catapults (EMALS).
Aircraft Capacity and Diversity
US Perspective
The limitations of STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) and the sizes of older Chinese carriers (Liaoning and Shandong) restricted their air wings.
Chinese Capability
The larger Fujian is assessed to carry 50-60 fixed-wing aircraft, including J-15T, J-35 'stealth' variants, KJ-600 AEW, and Z-8/Z-20 helicopters, enabling a more diverse air wing with longer strike ranges.
- Vessel Name
- Fujian
- Type
- Aircraft Carrier
- Key Technology
- Electromagnetic Catapults (EMALS)
- Estimated Aircraft Capacity
- 50-60 fixed-wing aircraft
- Aircraft Types
- J-15T heavy fighters, J-35 'stealth' variants, KJ-600 AEW, Z-8/Z-20 helicopters
- Launch/Take-off Method
- EMALS enables launching heavier aircraft with greater fuel/payload and higher sortie rates.