China's Navy Capability Upgrade: The Fujian Carrier Signals a New Dawn

Key Points

China’s new Fujian (Fujian 福建) aircraft carrier is China’s first 100% domestically designed and built carrier with electromagnetic catapults.
The Fujian (Fujian 福建) is the world’s first carrier to pair conventional power with electromagnetic catapults and has a displacement of over 80,000 tons.
The launch of the Fujian (Fujian 福建) puts China into a “three-carrier era” (Liaoning 辽宁, Shandong 山东, Fujian 福建), enabling simultaneous multi-directional deployment and ensuring one carrier is always ready and another is a reserve while a third is in maintenance.
China made a significant technological leap directly from ski-jump to state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapults, a technology currently mastered by only two countries (US and China).
China’s rapid carrier development is driven by enhanced overall national strength, world-class shipbuilding capability, comprehensive support systems, and continuous independent innovation.

Alright, let’s dive into a massive shift in naval power: China’s Navy is rapidly leveling up, and the new Fujian (Fujian 福建) aircraft carrier is front and center in this transformation.

This isn’t just another ship; the Fujian (Fujian 福建) is a game-changer.

It’s China’s first aircraft carrier that’s been 100% domestically designed and built with catapults – and not just any catapults, we’re talking electromagnetic ones.

Here’s the quick rundown on the Fujian (Fujian 福建):

Design: Features a sleek, flat, through-deck design.
Tech: Equipped with cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear systems (EMALS).
Size: Boasts a full displacement of over 80,000 tons. Impressive, right?
World First: It’s the world’s first aircraft carrier to pair conventional power with electromagnetic catapult technology. That’s a significant milestone.

The journey of the Fujian (Fujian 福建) so far:

Launched: June 17, 2022, officially named the Fujian (Fujian 福建), with pennant number 18.
Mooring Trials: As of September 23, 2022, these were underway as planned.
First Sea Trial: Kicked off on May 1, 2024, running for eight days. This trial successfully tested its power, electrical systems, and other equipment, hitting all expected targets.
Current Status: Sea trials for the Fujian (Fujian 福建) are progressing steadily, right on schedule.

Key Fujian (Fujian 福建) Milestones

June 17, 2022: Officially launched and named Fujian (福建), pennant number 18.
Sept 23, 2022: Mooring trials underway as planned.
May 1, 2024: First sea trial begins, lasting eight days and testing power/electrical systems.
Present: Sea trials progressing steadily, on schedule.

The Three-Carrier Era: Always Ready, Always a Reserve

The launch of the Fujian (Fujian 福建) three years ago marked a pivotal moment, and its construction and sea testing have been full steam ahead ever since.

So, what does the arrival of the Fujian (Fujian 福建) and China entering a “three-carrier era” really mean?

It’s huge for safeguarding China’s maritime rights and interests, and for ensuring the security of vital sea lanes.

But could this three-carrier setup lead to disruptive innovation in how naval operations are conducted?

Military commentator Wei Dongxu (Wei Dongxu 魏东旭) sheds some light on this.

According to Wei Dongxu (Wei Dongxu 魏东旭), establishing a successful three-carrier combat system is a massive win.

It’s a “crucial achievement” on the path to building a strong military and reflects a 全面 (quánmiàn – comprehensive) boost in maritime defense capabilities.

Think of these carriers as the most important maritime platforms for active and proactive defense.

Having three aircraft carriers offers some serious strategic advantages:

Multi-Directional Deployment: China can deploy carrier forces in three major directions simultaneously.
Increased Mobility & Safety: This significantly boosts the mobility of carrier strike groups, offering a wider margin of safety.
Rotational Capability: This is key. Imagine this cycle:
- One carrier undergoing maintenance.
- Another on standby, ready for immediate deployment.
- A third already at sea, executing its mission.

This system ensures that China always has a reserve force and a backup team when it comes to its carrier platforms. Smart.

Resume Captain

Your AI Career Toolkit:

AI Resume Optimization
Custom Cover Letters
LinkedIn Profile Boost
Interview Question Prep
Salary Negotiation Agent

Get Started Free

Fujian (Fujian 福建): Leading the Charge in Naval Innovation

Now, how will these three carriers—the Liaoning (Liaoning 辽宁), the Shandong (Shandong 山东), and the new Fujian (Fujian 福建)—divide their roles and combat missions?

And what impact will this carrier group combat system have on the Chinese Navy’s overall fighting power?

Wei Dongxu (Wei Dongxu 魏东旭) explains the evolution:

The Liaoning (Liaoning 辽宁) carrier:
- Originally a decommissioned carrier acquired from abroad.
- Technically refitted to become an aircraft carrier.
- Served as a maritime scientific research and testing platform after entering service.
- Crucially, it helped China learn how to operate such massive platforms at sea.
The Shandong (Shandong 山东) carrier:
- Developed and built domestically, based on the Liaoning (Liaoning 辽宁) experience.
- Signified China’s capability to independently produce aircraft carriers. A big step.

Then comes the Fujian (Fujian 福建), and its pace of innovation has frankly surprised many globally.

China made a massive leap, transitioning directly from ski-jump carriers to catapult carriers—and not just any catapults, but state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapults.

Think about this: Currently, only two countries in the world have mastered this electromagnetic catapult technology – the United States and China.

“authoritative analysis” mentioned in reports, China’s electromagnetic catapult tech might even be more advanced than that of the US. That’s a bold claim and a testament to their R&D focus.

What’s next for the Fujian (Fujian 福建)?

Expect to see new faces on its deck, beyond the current J-15 Flying Shark (Jian-15 歼-15).

A new generation of carrier-based aircraft is likely to integrate with this new carrier, forming an even more potent maritime defense combat system.

Powering the Fleet: National Strength Drives Carrier Development

From refitting the Liaoning (Liaoning 辽宁), to independently building the Shandong (Shandong 山东), and now the comprehensive innovation packed into the Fujian (Fujian 福建) – this “China speed” is remarkable.

What key technological breakthroughs are behind this rapid carrier development?

Wei Dongxu (Wei Dongxu 魏东xu) points to several core factors:

Enhanced Overall National Strength:
- A booming economic situation provides sufficient defense funds to build these large maritime combat platforms. Money talks.
World-Class Shipbuilding Capability:
- China has huge docks available for carrier construction.
- Access to a highly skilled team of engineers, experienced workers, and technical personnel is critical.
Comprehensive Support System:
- Building carriers isn’t just about steel; it requires a whole ecosystem of guarantees, relevant talent, and ample financial backing.
Continuous Independent Innovation:
- Constant advancements in design and craftsmanship are pushing the boundaries.

The result? China’s carriers are being built bigger and more advanced, and there’s no doubt their combat capability is improving step by step.

This development in China’s Navy capabilities is undoubtedly reshaping maritime strategy and technological benchmarks globally.

Comparison of China’s Aircraft Carriers
Carrier Name	Origin/Type	Catapult Technology	Displacement (tons)	Primary Role/Contribution
Liaoning (辽宁)	Refitted from Soviet carrier	Ski-jump	~60,000	Training & testing platform
Shandong (山东)	Domestically built	Ski-jump	~66,000	First domestic carrier, operational experience
Fujian (福建)	Domestically designed & built	Electromagnetic (EMALS)	>80,000	Advanced capabilities, multi-directional ops