China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has just wrapped up its eighth and most intense sea trial, according to multiple Chinese state media outlets. This warship, launched in June 2022, has been putting in the hard yards since May 2024, and it’s the first Chinese carrier to sport electromagnetic catapults—a significant leap from the ski-jump decks of its predecessors. A video released by China Central Television (CCTV) shows the Fujian setting sail from Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard, heading into the open seas. Maritime traffic restrictions were put in place in the Yangtze River estuary ahead of this trial, indicating the seriousness of the operation.
While there’s no official confirmation yet of actual aircraft launches during this phase, Chinese media reports suggest that J-35 stealth fighters, designed specifically for catapult launches, were also put through their paces. Earlier trials hinted at “touch-and-go” operations, where planes briefly land and then take off without stopping completely. The J-35, previously known as the FC-31, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for carrier operations. It’s been kitted out with foldable wings, reinforced landing gear, advanced radar systems, and an internal weapons bay, making it a formidable addition to China’s naval arsenal.
The electromagnetic catapult system onboard the Fujian is a game-changer. This technology allows aircraft to be launched more efficiently, even when fully loaded with fuel and weapons. It also opens the door for larger planes, like early warning and surveillance aircraft such as the KJ-600. China’s first carrier, the Liaoning, completed ten sea trials before being commissioned, and the second, the Shandong, needed nine. The Fujian has already done eight trials in just over a year, leading experts to speculate that it might enter active service sooner rather than later.
This electromagnetic catapult system places the Fujian in the same league as the USS Gerald R. Ford, the only other carrier using a similar system. Compared to older steam-powered catapults, the electromagnetic version offers greater accuracy, energy efficiency, and the ability to launch a wider variety of aircraft types, including fixed-wing drones and transport aircraft. Chinese state media reports suggest that the Fujian will significantly boost the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) by increasing the daily number of flight sorties and enhancing China’s capabilities for long-range escorts and offshore defense.
The Shandong, stationed in Sanya, Hainan province, frequently conducts drills in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, and the Fujian’s entry into service will only amplify China’s military presence in the region. Beijing has also finalized a deal to export 40 J-35A stealth jets to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), with deliveries expected to begin by 2026. This move underscores China’s growing influence and military prowess in the region.
China’s military budget for 2025 is set at $266 billion, a 7.2% increase from the previous year, making it the second-largest defense spender in the world, after the United States. This financial muscle allows China to invest heavily in advanced technologies and military capabilities, reshaping the geopolitical landscape. For instance, India’s defense budget is $75 billion, while Russia’s is $126 billion, highlighting the significant gap in military spending.
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? For starters, it’s a wake-up call for other naval powers to up their game. The Fujian’s advanced capabilities will push other countries to invest in similar technologies, sparking a new wave of innovation and competition. Moreover, the increased military presence in the South China Sea could lead to heightened tensions, affecting maritime trade routes and global supply chains. It’s a stark reminder that military developments often have far-reaching economic and political implications.
The Fujian’s success could also pave the way for more advanced aircraft carriers in the future, not just for China but for other nations looking to enhance their naval capabilities. The electromagnetic catapult system, in particular, could become a standard feature in next-generation carriers, revolutionizing aircraft launch and recovery operations. This technological leap could also drive advancements in aircraft design, leading to more efficient and versatile planes tailored for carrier operations.
In the broader context, the Fujian’s trials and eventual commissioning will undoubtedly shape future developments in the maritime sector. It will influence naval strategies, drive technological advancements, and potentially reshape the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. As China continues to bolster its military strength, the rest of the world will be watching closely, ready to adapt and respond to this new reality. The maritime industry, in particular, will need