Core Viewpoint - The Fujian aircraft carrier, China's first electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier, has made significant progress since its launch three years ago and is expected to enter service within the year, marking the approach of a "three-carrier era" for the Chinese Navy [1][11][30]. Summary by Relevant Sections Development Progress - The Fujian carrier was launched on June 17, 2022, and has since undergone various tests, including mooring tests and multiple sea trials, totaling over 100 days at sea [5][11]. - The first sea trial took place from May 1 to May 8, 2024, focusing on testing power and electrical systems [9]. - The carrier has successfully completed its seventh sea trial, which concentrated on the electromagnetic compatibility of carrier-based aircraft [11]. Technical Specifications - The Fujian carrier has a full-load displacement of over 80,000 tons and is the world's first conventionally powered aircraft carrier to utilize electromagnetic catapult technology [14]. - It is designed to carry various types of carrier-based aircraft, including fighter jets, early warning aircraft, anti-submarine aircraft, and drones [12][14]. Aircraft Compatibility - The carrier is expected to deploy the J-35 and other types of carrier-based aircraft, with the J-15T variant likely to be tested first due to its reinforced landing gear for catapult launches [16][18]. - The design of the J-35 allows for a dual-engine, medium-sized stealth carrier-based aircraft, optimizing the number of aircraft that can be carried on the limited deck space [19]. Strategic Implications - The development of the Fujian carrier reflects a significant leap in China's naval capabilities, transitioning from ski-jump takeoff carriers to those utilizing electromagnetic catapults [21][30]. - With the increasing number and advanced capabilities of Chinese aircraft carriers, there are implications for global naval power dynamics, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region [30][32].

Core Viewpoint - The Fujian aircraft carrier, China's first electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier, is expected to be commissioned within the year, marking the approach of a "three-carrier era" for the Chinese Navy [3][12]. Summary by Sections Development Timeline - The Fujian aircraft carrier was launched on June 17, 2022, and is designated with hull number 18 [5]. - The carrier began mooring trials on September 23, 2022 [7]. - The first sea trial is scheduled from May 1 to May 8, 2024, focusing on testing power and electrical systems [9]. - As of March 2025, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Fujian has completed its seventh sea trial, with a total of over 100 days at sea [11]. Aircraft and Capabilities - The Fujian is expected to carry various types of carrier-based aircraft, including the J-35 [13]. - It features electromagnetic catapults and arrestor wires, with a full-load displacement of over 80,000 tons, making it the world's first conventionally powered aircraft carrier using electromagnetic launch technology [15]. - The J-15T and J-15D carrier-based aircraft have been showcased, with the J-15T being a reinforced version designed for catapult launches [18]. - A scaled model of the carrier-based J-35 was also presented, indicating potential for a dual-engine medium-sized carrier-based aircraft [20]. - The design of carrier-based aircraft will focus on maximizing the number of aircraft that can be deployed on the limited deck space [21]. Strategic Implications - The development of the Fujian reflects a significant leap in China's aircraft carrier technology over the past decade, transitioning from ski-jump takeoff systems to electromagnetic launch systems [24]. - The increasing number and advanced capabilities of Chinese aircraft carriers are expected to enhance regional stability and peace, countering the Western naval operational frameworks led by the United States [36].

Core Viewpoint - The Fujian aircraft carrier, China's first conventionally powered aircraft carrier with electromagnetic catapult technology, is progressing steadily towards its official commissioning, with its third anniversary approaching on June 17, 2023 [1][3]. Group 1: Fujian Aircraft Carrier Overview - The Fujian aircraft carrier is entirely designed and built by China, featuring a flat-deck design and equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arrestor wires [3]. - The full-load displacement of the Fujian carrier exceeds 80,000 tons, and it was launched on June 17, 2022, with hull number 18 [3]. Group 2: Testing and Development Progress - As of September 23, 2022, the Fujian carrier is conducting mooring tests as planned, with its first sea trial scheduled for May 1, 2024, lasting eight days to test power and electrical systems [5]. - The sea trials are progressing steadily, and the carrier is expected to enhance operational flexibility once commissioned [7]. Group 3: Operational Capabilities - The Fujian carrier will significantly improve the People's Navy's near-sea defense and far-sea escort capabilities, marking the entry into a "three-carrier era" for the navy [11]. - Compared to conventional carriers, the advantages of the Fujian carrier include the ability to launch fighter jets fully loaded with fuel and munitions, enhancing combat capabilities [9]. - The electromagnetic catapult allows for controlled launch force, enabling various aircraft types, from transport planes to drones, to take off from the carrier, increasing operational versatility [11]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - With three aircraft carriers, the navy can deploy carrier forces in three main directions simultaneously, enhancing the mobility of carrier groups and providing broader security depth [12]. - The three carriers—Fujian, Shandong, and Liaoning—can be rotated for maintenance and operational readiness, ensuring a continuous operational capability [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of China's first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier, Fujian, and the implications of entering a three-carrier era for national defense and maritime security [1][2]. Group 1: Development and Features of Fujian Aircraft Carrier - Fujian is the world's first conventionally powered aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, with a full displacement of over 80,000 tons [1]. - The sea trials of Fujian are progressing as planned, with the first sea trial scheduled for May 1, 2024, lasting eight days to test various systems [5]. - The transition from ski-jump carriers to catapult carriers represents a significant technological advancement, with Fujian's electromagnetic launch technology potentially surpassing that of the United States [13]. Group 2: Strategic Implications of Three-Carrier Era - The establishment of a three-carrier operational system enhances China's maritime defense capabilities and allows for simultaneous deployment in three major directions, increasing operational flexibility [6]. - The ability to rotate carriers ensures that one carrier can be in maintenance while another is on standby, providing a continuous operational presence [8]. - The three-carrier fleet will enable a more robust and versatile maritime defense strategy, with potential for innovative operational models [2][4]. Group 3: Technological and Economic Factors - The development of large surface combat platforms is attributed to the overall improvement in national strength and defense funding, allowing for advanced shipbuilding capabilities [14]. - China's shipbuilding industry is recognized for its world-class capabilities, skilled workforce, and substantial financial resources, which support the independent design and construction of advanced aircraft carriers [14]. - The successful transition from the refitted Liaoning to the independently built Shandong and now to the innovative Fujian reflects a significant leap in indigenous technological capabilities [11][14].

Core Viewpoint - The Fujian aircraft carrier represents China's first fully self-designed and built catapult aircraft carrier, showcasing advancements in naval technology and capabilities [1][12]. Group 1: Development and Features of Fujian Aircraft Carrier - The Fujian aircraft carrier has a full-load displacement of over 80,000 tons and is the world's first conventionally powered aircraft carrier utilizing electromagnetic catapult technology [1]. - The sea trial work for the Fujian carrier is progressing steadily as planned [2]. - The Fujian carrier was launched on June 17, 2022, and is expected to conduct its first sea trial on May 1, 2024, lasting for eight days to test various systems [6]. Group 2: Strategic Implications of Three Aircraft Carrier Era - The arrival of the three aircraft carrier era enhances China's maritime defense capabilities and allows for simultaneous deployment in three major directions, significantly improving operational flexibility [5][8]. - The three aircraft carriers can be rotated for maintenance and operational readiness, ensuring a continuous operational capability [8]. Group 3: Technological Innovations and Future Prospects - The transition from ski-jump to catapult technology in the Fujian carrier is a significant leap, with potential advancements in future carrier-based aircraft [12]. - The development of the Fujian carrier is attributed to China's rising comprehensive national power, including increased defense funding and advanced shipbuilding capabilities [15].