China Shows Fujian Launching J-35 and KJ-600 from Catapult

China’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, has crossed a critical milestone in its development. Official Chinese military media has released extensive footage showing fixed-wing aircraft launching and landing aboard the carrier using its electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS). The release confirms that China has entered the era of catapult-assisted carrier operations, a capability that dramatically increases the flexibility and reach of its naval aviation.

Fujian’s Flight Operations

The newly released imagery shows catapult launches and arrested recoveries of three types of aircraft: the J-15T fighter jet, the next-generation J-35 stealth fighter, and the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The footage also highlighted Z-9 utility helicopters and extensive flight deck activity, with aircraft being moved by elevators and tractors, as well as coordinated operations by deck crews.

One of the most striking details is the presence of three KJ-600 aircraft on the deck, carrying serial numbers 7103, 7104, and 7106. This underlines the importance China places on deploying fixed-wing early warning aircraft, a feature that sets Fujian apart from its predecessors Liaoning and Shandong, both of which lack catapults and are therefore unable to support such heavy aircraft.

Why the Catapult Matters

The introduction of EMALS is a technological breakthrough. Unlike ski-jump carriers, which limit aircraft to lighter take-off weights, Fujian’s catapults allow planes to launch with full fuel and heavy weapons loads. This means greater combat range, higher sortie rates, and the ability to field specialized support aircraft such as AEW&C and possibly future carrier-borne refueling aircraft.

This capability is central to transforming the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) into a blue-water force capable of projecting power far beyond China’s immediate coastline. With the KJ-600 providing radar coverage and the J-35 offering stealth capability, Fujian dramatically enhances China’s maritime surveillance and strike potential.

Key Observations from the Footage

Several details in the released material offer insight into Fujian’s progress:

• Catapult Preference: All observed launches appear to come from the forward portside catapult. It is unclear whether this is due to selective editing of the footage or differences in readiness between the three EMALS catapults.

• Flight Deck Crew: Personnel are seen in color-coded jackets similar to the U.S. Navy system. Yellow denotes plane directors and catapult crew, blue covers aircraft handling and tractor drivers, and white indicates safety and quality control officers. Interestingly, fueling personnel wear blue jackets, differing from the American purple standard.

• Timeline Clues: Some scenes date back to earlier trials, particularly March 2025, when Fujian’s sensor mast was still covered in black draping before later maintenance returned it to grey.

Strategic and Technological Significance

The J-35 taking off from Fujian is especially notable. Ironically, while China’s new carrier has now launched a stealth fighter from an EMALS system, the U.S. Navy’s first EMALS-equipped supercarrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has yet to achieve the same milestone with its F-35C due to program delays and budget restrictions.

That said, Fujian still faces challenges. It is conventionally powered, unlike U.S. nuclear carriers, which gives it more limited endurance. With only three catapults compared to the four on American carriers, its launch capacity per cycle may also be lower. Furthermore, years of additional testing and crew training will be required before Fujian reaches full operational capability.

Fujian is currently in the midst of its ninth sea trial, the longest yet and the first to extend into the South China Sea. Analysts suggest the carrier could be commissioned into active service after this trial, possibly at Sanya Naval Base on Hainan Island. Even after commissioning, the vessel will primarily focus on testing, aircraft qualifications, and training for several years before achieving true combat readiness.

Meanwhile, China is quietly advancing work on a fourth carrier, believed to also be a catapult-equipped design, with early construction activity spotted at Dalian shipyard. Additionally, progress is reported on a naval nuclear reactor, potentially laying the groundwork for China’s first nuclear-powered carrier in the future.

A Rapid Transformation

In just two decades, China has moved from refurbishing an ex-Soviet carrier to fielding three carriers of its own, with Fujian standing among the largest and most advanced carriers in the world. The successful demonstration of catapult-assisted fixed-wing operations highlights both the speed and determination with which China is modernizing its navy.

While challenges remain, the debut of Fujian’s flight operations is a historic moment—one that signals China’s arrival as a true carrier power, reshaping the naval balance in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.