China's Fujian, the naval fleet's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, was commissioned on Wednesday at the port in Sanya, Hainan, an island province of the Chinese mainland. Senior Captain Leng Guowei, a Chinese navy spokesperson, emphasized that while Sanya is Fujian's home dock, 'the vast ocean' is its true home.
Named after the province of Fujian and launched in June 2022, the hull number 18 vessel is now the largest warship in the navy. Independently designed and built by China, it represents a major step forward in carrier engineering and maritime capability.
During its construction, development and testing of its carrier-based air wing advanced steadily. This includes fighter jets such as the J-35, J-15T and J-15D, the KongJing-600 early-warning aircraft and the Z-20 series helicopters. Leng said it will not be long before Fujian is fully outfitted.
As the first carrier to deploy electromagnetic launch systems, many of Fujian's onboard technologies are in service for the first time. Following its commissioning, the vessel will undergo in-depth test verifications to ensure each system meets operational standards.
Leng stressed that these developments are not aimed at any specific country or region and do not pose threats abroad. Instead, they are designed to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Now one of three carriers in service, Fujian will make regular appearances on the high seas, helping to shape future carrier plans and adapt to evolving defense needs.
Reference(s):
Fujian aircraft carrier to make regular appearances on high seas
cgtn.com
