DefenseChinese Navy Shares Footage of J-35, J-15T Fighters and KJ-600 Radar Plane Operating from Carrier Fujian
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has confirmed the completion of a series of flight operation tests on its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. The trials included takeoff and landing operations involving the J-15T carrier-based fighter, the new stealth J-35, and the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Fujian, the first Chinese carrier to feature the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), represents a significant technical shift from previous Chinese carriers.
Unlike the Liaoning and Shandong, which both utilize ski-jump ramps for aircraft launches, Fujian adopts the CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery) configuration, enabling the deployment of heavier and more advanced aircraft.
According to PLAN statements and imagery released on state media, the recent tests were considered successful, with the carrier achieving initial full-deck operations.
The J-35, a stealth fighter designed for carrier operations, was observed operating from the Fujian’s deck, making China the fourth nation to operate fifth-generation fighters from an aircraft carrier.
The integration of the KJ-600, a fixed-wing airborne early warning platform, expands the range and situational awareness of the carrier group. The J-15T, an updated variant of the PLAN’s existing carrier-based fighter, also participated in launch and recovery cycles during the trials.
Displacing 80,000 tons
Since its first sea trial in May 2024, Fujian has conducted nine maritime test campaigns. The latest phase is viewed as a precursor to its official commissioning, as operations with the EMALS catapult system have been validated. PLAN has signaled that further integration with other aircraft types is planned going forward.
https://twitter.com/airwayaviation/status/1970219672600781307
Fujian was designed and constructed domestically, displacing 80,000 tons, and is expected to enhance China’s capacity for operations in distant maritime regions. The deployment of advanced carrier-based aviation assets is viewed as having potential implications for regional security dynamics, particularly regarding Taiwan.
The PLAN has widely publicized images and videos of the flight operations, reflecting the importance attributed to these trials in Chinese media and on social platforms.
With the successful deck operations, Fujian is expected to enter service following final evaluations. The carrier’s capabilities are set to expand PLAN’s operational reach, laying the groundwork for further advancements in Chinese naval aviation.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
