China's Fujian Aircraft Carrier Nears Commissioning Milestone

Beijing, Sept 25 (PTI) – China's third aircraft carrier, the 'Fujian', is on the cusp of commissioning as it continues to undergo successful tests and training, the Chinese military announced on Thursday.

“It is not far off,” declared Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Defence Ministry, during a media briefing.

Zhang informed that the carrier-based aircraft J-15T, J-35, and KongJing-600 have achieved catapult-assisted take-off and arrested landing training aboard the Fujian.

The completion of this training signifies the Fujian's readiness with electromagnetic catapult launch and recovery capabilities, facilitating the integration of diverse carrier-based aircraft into its formation, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of China’s aircraft carriers, Zhang elaborated.

Fujian, identified by hull number 18, was introduced in June 2022 and named after Fujian Province. Distinct from China’s earlier two carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, which feature ski-jump decks, the Fujian is equipped with a flat flight deck and boasts a full-load displacement exceeding 80,000 tonnes.

The Fujian is acclaimed as China's most advanced aircraft carrier, incorporating an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) akin to that on the American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.

China aims to bring the Fujian into operation within this year following nearly three years of sea trials, laying the groundwork for the Chinese navy to operate three carrier groups for the first time.

Fujian's recent trial deployments in the Taiwan Strait and the contested South China Sea have stirred concerns over China's naval posturing in enforcement of its territorial claims.

China asserts that Taiwan is part of its mainland and claims major portions of the South China Sea, though this is contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan with their respective claims.

Post-Fujian's operationalisation, China could potentially extend its aircraft carrier deployments into the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, regions where its naval fleet is active, supported by bases in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa and Pakistan's Gwadar, as well as the commercial port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka, acquired through a debt swap.

According to a recent BBC report, China's fleet has now surpassed the US Navy with 234 warships compared to 219.

Chinese official media reveals plans for a fleet of four to five aircraft carriers, including a nuclear-powered one, positioning them as the forefront of its navy as Beijing seeks to extend its global reach, particularly in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Indian Ocean.

In parallel, China is developing new fighter aircraft tailored for operations from these carrier groups.