Particle.news
Download on the App Store

China’s Fujian Carrier Completes First Post-Commissioning Sea Training

Electromagnetic catapult launches signaled a step toward full carrier air operations.

Overview

  • The PLA Navy announced on Nov. 18 that the new-type aircraft carrier Fujian finished its first at-sea training since commissioning and returned to the Sanya base in Hainan.
  • The task group conducted carrier-based aircraft takeoff and landing drills to exercise flight operations.
  • The training included tests of the ship’s electromagnetic aircraft launch system, with state media broadcasting footage of EMALS launches.
  • Coverage described the event as the carrier’s first realistic, combat-oriented training since entering service.
  • Japanese outlets carried the Beijing announcement via a Kyodo News dispatch, and no follow-on deployments or additional details were disclosed.