New images and a video released by the Chinese state media provide an updated view of the country’s latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian.
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The Fujian is the first aircraft carrier fully designed and developed in China.
Moreover, the Fujian is set to be the first aircraft carrier of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to launch aircraft using catapults, rather than the traditional “ski-jump” method.
The video, released by the state-owned CCTV network, highlights the Fujian, also known as Type 003, undergoing a recent mooring test. This test is critical as it assesses the main propulsion machinery of the ship while it is still docked. These visuals reinforce the idea that the Fujian is rapidly approaching sea trials, a crucial stage before becoming operational.
Launched in June 2022, the Fujian adopts a CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration and is in the final stages of installation at the Changxing Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai.
An interesting detail revealed by the video is the presence of a model of the Shenyang J-15 fighter at the rear of the command cabin. While the exact composition of its air wing remains uncertain, it is likely that the catapult variant of the J-15, the J-15T, will play a key role in the aircraft carrier. This fighter model is already in service, operating on the PLAN’s other two carriers, the Type 001 Liaoning and the Type 002 Shandong, both using the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system.
The images of the Fujian and the J-15 fighters in the first and second launch positions of the Liaoning underscore the continuous growth of Chinese naval capabilities. With the Fujian nearing completion, the PLA Navy is on the verge of making a significant leap in terms of technology and maritime force projection capabilities.
Photos and videos: Courtesy of Chinese State Media
