Archive · 7 Nov 2025
China Commissions Advanced Fujian Aircraft Carrier with Electromagnetic Catapults
China has officially welcomed its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is its third one and the first that China designed and built itself with special catapult technology.
These catapults are like powerful launchers that help airplanes take off quickly and with more fuel and weapons, making them able to fly further and attack targets more effectively.
This new carrier is a big step for China's navy, showing it can operate further from its shores.
It can carry advanced planes like fighters and early warning jets.
While it has advanced catapults similar to the most modern carriers in the U.S., China's carriers are not powered by nuclear energy, meaning they can't travel as far or stay at sea as long as nuclear-powered carriers.
The Fujian represents China's growing naval strength and technological advancements in carrier operations.
China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, its first indigenously designed vessel equipped with electromagnetic catapults.
The Fujian's electromagnetic catapult system allows aircraft to launch with full fuel and ammunition, increasing combat radius and attack capability, and enabling a higher sortie rate.
President Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony of the Fujian, highlighting its significance for China's naval transformation.
The carrier, with a displacement of over 80,000 tons, has successfully conducted training with advanced aircraft, including J-15T, J-35 stealth fighters, and KJ-600 early warning aircraft.
The commissioning marks China's entry into an era with three aircraft carriers and advanced electromagnetic catapult technology.
- Who
- China, including President Xi Jinping
- What
- Commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, featuring electromagnetic catapults.
- When
- Commissioned on Wednesday and reported on Friday.
- Where
- Naval port in Sanya City, Hainan Province.
- Why
- To symbolize the PLA Navy's transformation to far seas defense and enter an era of electromagnetic catapult-equipped carriers.
China's Naval Advancements
Comparison with US Naval Capabilities
Aircraft Launch System
China's Naval Advancements
The Fujian is equipped with electromagnetic catapults (EMALS), enabling aircraft to launch with full fuel and ammunition, increasing combat radius and attack capability, and allowing for a higher sortie rate. This signifies China's entry into an era of electromagnetic catapult-equipped carriers.
Comparison with US Naval Capabilities
While China has adopted electromagnetic catapults, similar technology is also present on the newest US carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. However, former US President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the reliability and cost of EMALS, preferring steam power.
Carrier Fleet Size and Significance
China's Naval Advancements
With the Fujian, China now has three aircraft carriers, marking a significant step in the PLA Navy's transformation from coastal defense to far seas defense. China's overall warship fleet is now the largest globally.
Comparison with US Naval Capabilities
Despite having three carriers, China's fleet size is smaller than the US Navy's, which operates 11 aircraft carriers. The US carriers are also nuclear-powered, offering greater range and endurance.
Carrier Technology and Capability
China's Naval Advancements
The Fujian boasts a flat-deck design and is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices, allowing it to host advanced aircraft like the J-15T, J-35 stealth fighter, and KJ-600 early warning aircraft. Its commissioning is seen as a symbol of the PLA Navy's transformation.
Comparison with US Naval Capabilities
The Fujian has a displacement of over 80,000 tons, but this is still less than the displacement of the latest US Ford-class carriers. Analysts suggest China's carrier-based air wing is still developing, and three carriers may not be sufficient to counter potential intervention in the Taiwan Strait, especially when compared to the US carrier fleet's operational experience.
- Carrier Name
- Fujian
- Hull Number
- 18
- Type
- Third aircraft carrier, first indigenously designed with electromagnetic catapults
- Key Technology
- Electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices
- Displacement
- Over 80,000 tons (full-load)
- Aircraft Tested
- J-15T heavy fighter, J-35 stealth fighter, KJ-600 early warning aircraft
- Power Source
- Conventionally powered (non-nuclear)
- Commissioning Date
- Wednesday (ceremony reported Friday)
Sources
China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, enters service
Fujian: China's most advanced aircraft carrier enters service amid naval race with US. Know its capabilities, features
China commissions first home-built aircraft carrier Fujian in bid to rival US naval power
China Commissions Third Aircraft Carrier Fujian: All You Need To Know
China Commissions Electromagnetic Catapults-Equipped Aircraft Carrier Fujian
China Launches Third Aircraft Carrier, Its Most Advanced with Electromagnetic Catapults
China commissions 3rd aircraft carrier: Should India worry?
