China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, embarked on its inaugural sea trials from Shanghai on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the Chinese Navy. The Fujian, considered the most advanced and largest carrier in China, underwent construction for over six years at the Jiangnan Shipyard.
The sea trials, supervised by Shanghai’s Maritime Safety Administration, are scheduled to occur approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the shipyard in the East China Sea. According to reports from Xinhua news agency, the primary focus of these trials is to evaluate the reliability and stability of the carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems.
Launched in 2022, the Fujian has progressed through mooring trials, outfitting work, and equipment adjustments, leading up to its current sea trials. With a displacement of 80,000 metric tonnes, it surpasses China’s previous carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, in size.
A notable feature of the Fujian is its electromagnetic catapult technology, enabling it to launch larger and heavier aircraft compared to its predecessors. This advancement aligns it with the capabilities of the US Navy’s latest carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, which also utilizes electromagnetic catapult systems.
The Fujian’s technological leap places it among the ranks of the world’s largest carriers, with only the US Navy operating carriers of similar size and capability.