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].