China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is one step closer to joining the fleet, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang announced at Thursday’s press conference that the carrier-based fighters J-15T, J-35 and the AEW&C craft KongJing-600 have completed catapult-assisted takeoffs and arrested landings aboard the Fujian.
This series of tests demonstrates that the Fujian has mastered electromagnetic catapult launch and recovery capabilities, paving the way for various carrier-based aircraft to integrate into its formations.
Launched in June 2022 and bearing hull number 18, the Fujian departs from the ski-jump designs of the Liaoning and Shandong by featuring a flat flight deck and a full-load displacement of over 80,000 tonnes.
With these breakthroughs, the Fujian moves closer to formal commissioning, marking a milestone in naval innovation and reshaping maritime power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
Reference(s):
China says its Fujian aircraft carrier commissioning 'not far off'
cgtn.com
