China 3rd Aircraft Carrier Fujian Gears up for Sea Trials

Defense News ,China :- China latest aircraft carrier, the third in its fleet named "Fujian," is making significant strides towards its sea trials, according to official media reports on Wednesday. China Central Television showcased the cutting-edge vessel, highlighting its three electromagnetic catapult tracks. This new carrier, surpassing its predecessors in weight and sophistication, is set to undergo mooring trials in the coming year, as per Yin Hongxin, an officer aboard the ship, reported by China Daily.

The Chinese state media regularly generates excitement surrounding advancements in defense equipment, presenting images of new ships, fighter jets, and missiles to capture public attention. Launched in June 2022, the Fujian was heralded with claims that it could rival US aircraft carriers in terms of technology. This development is crucial as China faces increasing pressure from the United States" Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly in the contested regions of the South China Sea and Taiwan.

China asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, while other nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, have conflicting claims. The Fujian, with a displacement of 80,000 tonnes—20,000 tonnes more than its predecessors—is expected to extend its operations to distant seas, including the Indian Ocean, where the Indian Navy holds a strong presence.

China has strategically expanded its naval capabilities, including bases in Djibouti and control over the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. Plans to build around five aircraft carriers are underway, with the next carrier expected to be nuclear-powered, according to official media reports.

Naval experts anticipate that the Fujian, being the "first fully domestically developed and constructed" aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), may take some time to become operational. The vessel unique features, such as a flat, straight flight deck and arresting device, set it apart from its counterparts. The EMALS technology, considered a significant advancement by naval experts, is currently exclusive to the US Navy Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, making the Fujian a noteworthy development for China.

Unlike China previous aircraft carriers equipped with ski-jump take-off ramps, the Fujian boasts a flat-top flight deck. This design shift addresses issues with the J-15 fighter jets, which were deemed too heavy for sustained carrier use. In a strategic shift since 2013, China has allocated substantial funds to the development of its navy, reducing the number of army troops. This modernization initiative encompasses the construction of aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, and assault ships, reflecting China ambitions to expand its global influence.

Beyond enhancing its own naval capabilities, China is actively assisting Pakistan in modernizing its navy. This involves providing the latest naval frigates to operate in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, further cementing China influence in the region.