China’s Third And Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier 'Fujian' With Electromagnetic Catapults Nears Commissioning

China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, could be officially commissioned as early as next month, state broadcaster CCTV suggested in a new video release, South China Morning Post reported.

Built and launched at China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai, the 80,000-tonne Fujian is the first domestically designed carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, making China the only nation besides the United States to operate such technology.

Extensive Sea Trials Completed

Since its maiden voyage in May 2024, the Fujian has carried out eight sea trials totalling 117 days, surpassing the testing periods of China’s other carriers — Liaoning (109 days) and Shandong (84 days) — as well as France’s Charles de Gaulle (87 days).

Analysts suggest this indicates a higher level of technical maturity and more complex systems testing.

According to the SCMP report, recent images show the carrier undergoing final shipyard preparations, with scaffolding removed and its flight deck cleared of trial markings, signaling readiness for service entry.

Advanced Capabilities

The Fujian is designed to operate a full “carrier strike five-piece set,” including:

• Stealth carrier-based fighters

• Multirole catapult-launched fighters

• Fixed-wing early-warning aircraft

• Fixed-wing electronic warfare planes

• Anti-submarine helicopters

The ship features three electromagnetic launchers, significantly improving aircraft sortie rates and operational flexibility compared to ski-jump carriers.

Strategic Significance

Once commissioned, the Fujian will become Asia’s largest warship and mark a major step in China’s carrier program.

Its entry into service would expand the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s blue-water capabilities, enabling sustained air operations far from Chinese shores.

Possible Commissioning Timeline

Speculation in Chinese media suggests the carrier may be commissioned on symbolic dates tied to wartime anniversaries, such as 3 September (Victory over Japanese Aggression Day) or 18 September (Mukden Incident anniversary).

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