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3h ago

China Commissions Fujian, Its Most Advanced Carrier With Electromagnetic Catapults

EMALS capability signals longer-range carrier aviation, with conventional power and training needs tempering near-term effectiveness.

China's third aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian, holds a commissioning and flag-presenting ceremony at a naval port in Sanya, Hainan province, on November 5, 2025.
The CV-18 Fujian seen during the commissioning ceremony, showing the newly painted ‘18’ on its deck. (Image credit: CCTV)
Aircraft carrier Fujian at her commissioning ceremony on November 5, 2025 in Sanya, together with carrier Shandong and a Type 075 LHD in the background. Image Chinese state media.

Overview

  • Xi Jinping presided over the Nov. 5 commissioning in Sanya, bringing China’s carrier count to three and solidifying second place globally behind the U.S. fleet of 11.
  • The 80,000‑ton Fujian is China’s first indigenously designed CATOBAR carrier, using EMALS to launch heavier aircraft including the J‑35 stealth fighter, J‑15T and KJ‑600 early‑warning plane.
  • State media says the ship features three electromagnetic catapults and two aircraft elevators, a configuration expected to support diverse air operations but still below Ford‑class launch capacity.
  • The carrier is conventionally powered, with expert estimates of 8,000–10,000 nautical miles of range, and officials indicate continued sea trials and flight testing before full combat readiness.
  • Analysts note likely lower sortie rates due to deck layout and say proficiency will take time; Japan publicly signaled vigilance as reports suggest a larger, potentially nuclear Type 004 is in development.