According to various sources, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Fujian (CVN-18) has reportedly begun a new navigation focused on testing its electromagnetic catapults. The last reference to such trials dates back to January of this year when images revealed markings on the flight deck, suggesting the execution of takeoff and landing tests, though no official confirmation was provided.
The Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier, is the first to be fully designed and built domestically and the first to feature an electromagnetic catapult system for aircraft launches. With a full-load displacement exceeding 80,000 tons, it is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and aircraft recovery systems that are believed to be similar to the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) found on the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. This technology represents a significant advancement, allowing aircraft to be launched with a greater payload compared to the STOBAR configuration used on the Liaoning and Shandong, which are based on the Kuznetsov-class.
Since its first sea trials in May 2024, the Fujian has completed multiple navigations to test its systems, and it is now reportedly on its seventh sea trial, according to unofficial sources. This conclusion is drawn from observers who noted a maritime safety restriction issued by the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration regarding the movement of a large vessel at the Yangtze River estuary on March 18, leading to speculation that the aircraft carrier was conducting another trial. However, the Chinese Ministry of Defense has not confirmed this. Spokesperson Wu Qian stated that, for now, there is no information to disclose but affirmed that the Fujian’s sea trials are part of the normal construction plan.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight that Chinese authorities previously confirmed in December 2024 that the vessel had completed its fifth sea trial and that further tests would be conducted as its construction progressed. Analysts took note of this, as the March navigation notice aligns with previous official announcements that were issued each time the ship embarked on and returned from a sea trial.
As mentioned, the Fujian’s progress is accelerating, indicating that its commissioning is drawing closer. For months, various signs have reflected the program’s advancement. Among these, scaled models of J-35 fighter jets and a KJ-600 carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft have been spotted on the flight deck, suggesting that these could be part of its carrier air wing. Additionally, in September 2024, a video captured what appeared to be a “dead-load” launch test using two of the carrier’s three electromagnetic catapults. Later that year, previously unseen braking marks were observed on the flight deck, resembling those made during touch-and-go maneuvers carried out at sea.
Finally, this apparent new sea trial reinforces the idea that the Fujian is progressing rapidly toward fleet integration. For reference, China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, underwent ten sea trials before being commissioned, while the second carrier, Shandong, carried out nine tests, according to official data.
Cover photo used for illustration purposes only.
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