As the United States, Europe and Russia move at a “diplomatic pace” to end the conflict in Ukraine, China continues to steadily increase its firepower.
China’s new aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has been spotted at sea for the first time, marking the start of its sea trials. Footage of it leaving the shipyard has been posted online and has surprised military observers, let’s see why.
Fujian: Beijing’s New Flagship
More specifically, the video posted on X shows the Fujian sailing in Chinese territorial waters at low speed and with assistance.
The Fujian is China’s largest, most powerful and most advanced aircraft carrier today. This massive warship is a technological achievement of the Chinese defense industry, an achievement that is sure to strike fear into Beijing’s enemies. The Chinese fleet is growing rapidly and the Fujian is a stark example.
When operational, the Fujian is expected to change the balance in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.
Military experts noted that the aircraft carrier brings a modern design and enormous dimensions. So far, it seems that its tests are progressing successfully, which is why the first test take-offs and landings of aircraft from its flight deck are expected to take place soon. First, of course, the proper operation and durability of the ship’s power system must be tested, as well as the effectiveness of its navigation systems and other sensors.
The Fujian’s aircraft will be launched using three electromagnetic launch systems (catapults), a capability that no other Chinese aircraft carrier currently has. In fact, the only electromagnetic catapults in the world are found on the super-aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the flagship of the US Navy.
The Fujian can also be described as a super-aircraft carrier, since it has a formidable length of 316 meters, with a displacement of 80 to 85 thousand tons (fully loaded). For comparison, the American USS Gerald R. Ford is 337 meters long and its displacement with full load and weight reaches 100 thousand tons.
