The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China is preparing to mark a new milestone in the development of its naval capabilities with the upcoming induction of the aircraft carrier Fujian into active service. This will be the force’s third carrier and the first domestically designed and built to incorporate electromagnetic catapults. According to Chinese state media, the Type 003 carrier—another designation for the Fujian—is expected to enter service before the end of 2025, officially ushering the country into an era with three operational aircraft carriers.
The Fujian was launched on June 17, 2022, and completed its first sea trial between May 1 and May 8, 2024. Since then, the vessel has undergone multiple testing campaigns, accumulating more than 100 days at sea, according to reports from China Central Television (CCTV). Analysts cited in official media, such as military commentator Wei Dongxu, noted that the ship’s trial progress has been steady, reinforcing expectations for its imminent entry into active service.
With a full displacement of over 80,000 tons, the Fujian is the world’s first conventionally powered aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults. This launch system marks a major technological leap compared to the PLAN’s previous carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, which employ ski-jump ramps for aircraft takeoff.
The new carrier is expected to operate a wide range of embarked aircraft, including fighters, airborne early warning aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters, and drones, making it a more versatile platform suited for strategic competition with the United States in the Pacific. Among the systems to be integrated are the stealthy J-35 fighters, adding low observability and air superiority capabilities to the Fujian’s air wing.
The Liaoning, a refurbished Soviet-origin carrier, was commissioned in 2012, while the Shandong, fully built in Chinese shipyards, entered service in 2019. Both currently form the backbone of the PLAN’s carrier aviation power. However, the addition of the Fujian will represent a qualitative leap in power projection, air operations interoperability, and doctrinal development.
From the official Chinese perspective, the development of its carrier force is defensive in nature and seeks to “strengthen strategic balance and regional stability.” Analysts like Fu Qianshao, cited by the Global Times, noted that the adoption of new technologies requires longer testing periods, though projections still indicate the ship will be commissioned by 2025.
China’s aircraft carrier program is evolving amid growing naval competition in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. While the United States maintains a network of naval alliances with multinational deployments, China’s strategy continues to emphasize strengthening autonomous deterrence capabilities, increasing blue-water presence, and expanding its navy’s operational reach.
Simultaneous deployment of the Shandong and Liaoning beyond the first island chain
While the Fujian continues sea trials, China has already reached a new operational milestone with the simultaneous deployment of its Shandong and Liaoning carriers beyond the first island chain in the Western Pacific. This unprecedented move for the PLAN reflects an increasing level of readiness and the ability to sustain carrier-based operations farther from mainland bases. Satellite imagery taken on June 10 confirmed the Shandong operating in the Philippine Sea with its carrier strike group and multiple destroyers, while the Liaoning had been detected days earlier in the South China Sea accompanied by escort ships.
This deployment underscores China’s intent to project maritime power beyond its coastal waters and signals progress in the integration and coordination of its carrier strike groups.
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