A few days after being officially commissioned, the new aircraft carrier Fujian (CV-18) of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) completed its first exercises in an as-yet undisclosed location, according to official sources revealed in recent hours. In parallel, and according to information released by Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), the Shandong (CV-17) also reportedly departed from Hainan.
Having celebrated its entry into service this past November 6 at the Sanya Naval Base on Hainan Island, and moored alongside the Shandong, the new and most advanced aircraft carrier in the Chinese Navy took another step in its young operational history by integrating into the Southern Theater Command (STC) fleet of the PLAN, a key region for the Asian Giant’s ambitions in the South China Sea.
With this background, the Chinese Navy recently confirmed that the Fujian, the second aircraft carrier built entirely in the country but the first of Chinese design, focused its brief navigation period on operations with its Embarked Air Wing, where—for the first time since entering service—its aircraft launch and recovery systems were tested, further validating compatibility with the embarked J-35, J-15T, J-15D, and KJ-600 aircraft using the new electromagnetic catapult system.
Prior to these exercises, the last recorded tests with these aircraft date back to late September of this year, when official images on social media confirmed landing and takeoff tests of the Fujian’s Embarked Air Wing. Notably, the new Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter in its carrier-borne version was seen operating from the flight deck, as well as the J-15T, the carrier-borne variant of the J-15 family compatible with the ship’s new CATOBAR configuration.
Validation of the electromagnetic catapult system
One of the most relevant aspects of these new exercises is the validation of the electromagnetic catapult system installed on the Fujian, marking the first Chinese aircraft carrier to abandon the STOBAR system—characterized by a ski-jump ramp at the bow—in favor of a CATOBAR configuration. This represents a doctrinal and technological leap of major significance for the Chinese Navy.
This system allows aircraft to launch with greater fuel and weapons loads, increasing their effective range and operational flexibility. Additionally, it enables a higher sortie rate for the embarked air wing, a central element for sustained operations in oceanic environments. The combination of electromagnetic catapults with an air wing composed of stealth fighters, early-warning platforms, and specialized aircraft marks a profound shift in China’s naval aviation capabilities.
Consolidation of the Embarked Air Wing
In addition to the J-15T, the Fujian will progressively integrate the J-15D/J-15DT and the KJ-600, a carrier-borne early-warning platform that will grant it a far superior level of situational awareness compared to previous aircraft carriers. The air component will be complemented by Z-20 helicopters in utility and anti-submarine roles.
Taking this into account, these first exercises are part of a process that will extend through the coming years, until the Fujian reaches full operational capability, validating procedures for launch, recovery, refueling, maintenance, and coordination with escort ships.
An aircraft carrier designed for distant operations
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant features of this new aircraft carrier is its 80,000-ton displacement. In this regard, analysts suggest that the Fujian was conceived to operate beyond coastal waters. Although it uses conventional propulsion, its design positions it as the most advanced carrier in the Chinese Navy, capable of sustaining complex air operations in oceanic environments
With this new deployment, the simultaneous presence of the Fujian and Shandong in the region reinforces the idea—already noted by Chinese analysts during the commissioning ceremony—of moving toward a dual-carrier configuration in the South China Sea. Operationally, this increases China’s ability to carry out a wide range of missions, from defense, air control, and support operations to establishing a strategic deterrent against regional actors.
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