China's latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has set sail from Shanghai for its first sea trials, marking a significant step towards joining the world's largest naval fleet. The naval assessment is scheduled to take place in the East China Sea, approximately 130 kilometers from the Jiangnan Shipyard where the carrier has been under construction for over six years.
The sea trials will primarily focus on testing the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier's propulsion and electrical systems, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. The Fujian, with a displacement of 80,000 metric tons, surpasses China's current active carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, in size.
One of the key features of the Fujian is its electromagnetic catapult system, enabling it to launch larger and heavier aircraft compared to its predecessors. This capability will provide the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) with enhanced combat range and 'blue-water' capabilities, allowing for the projection of sea-based air power into deep ocean areas.
While the Fujian's electromagnetic catapult system aligns it with the US Navy's USS Gerald R Ford, the US carriers maintain advantages in terms of power and size. The US carriers are nuclear-powered, offering extended operational endurance at sea, while the Fujian relies on conventional fuel.
Analysts anticipate the Fujian's sea trials to last at least a year, with its commissioning expected in 2026. Once operational, the Fujian will symbolize China's growing naval power and serve as a prominent asset in the PLAN fleet, which continues to expand rapidly with new warships being constructed.
Plans for a fourth carrier in the Chinese fleet have been hinted at, with speculation about the potential inclusion of a nuclear-powered carrier. In comparison, the US Navy is also constructing new Ford-class carriers, further emphasizing the ongoing naval developments in both countries.
