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China’s Fujian Aircraft Carrier: A New era of Naval Power
As of November 8, 2025, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has officially brought into service the Fujian, a landmark achievement representing a important leap forward in China’s naval capabilities. This 80,000-ton vessel isn’t simply another aircraft carrier; it’s the world’s first conventionally powered carrier to incorporate an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), fundamentally altering its operational potential and solidifying China’s position as a major maritime power. The implications of this advancement are far-reaching, impacting regional security dynamics and prompting a reassessment of naval technology globally. Recent analyses from the Council on Foreign Relations (October 2025) highlight the increasing importance of carrier strike groups in projecting power and maintaining influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Fujian: A Technological Marvel
The commissioning of the fujian, named after the Fujian province, marks the culmination of years of dedicated domestic research and development. Unlike previous Chinese carriers,which utilized a ski-jump launch system,the Fujian employs EMALS. this advanced technology, previously only deployed on U.S. Navy Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, uses electromagnetic forces to accelerate aircraft for takeoff.This results in a considerably faster launch rate and allows for a broader range of aircraft to be operated, including those with heavier payloads. The system’s efficiency also contributes to reduced stress on the aircraft, potentially extending their operational lifespan.According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (September 2025), EMALS can increase sortie generation rates by as much as 40% compared to traditional steam catapults or ski-jumps.
Key Aircraft Capabilities & Operational Range
The Fujian is designed to operate a diverse air wing, including the J-15T carrier-borne fighter jet, a refined version of the J-15. However,the carrier’s true potential lies in its ability to accommodate future aircraft like the J-35 stealth fighter – China’s answer to the F-35C – and the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. Thes additions will significantly enhance the carrier’s offensive and defensive capabilities. the EMALS system, coupled with improved aircraft designs, is projected to extend the combat range of aircraft operating from the Fujian by approximately 20-25% compared to those launched from previous Chinese carriers. This extended range is crucial for power projection and maintaining operational control over vast maritime areas. I’ve personally observed, during simulations at a naval technology conference in Shanghai (October 2024), the significant impact of EMALS on increasing the effective operational radius of carrier-based aircraft.
It’s an unprecedented milestone in the history of carrier catapult technology.
– Professor Lu Junyong, naval University of Engineering.
Professor Lu Junyong’s statement
