China's third aircraft carrier Fujian sets out for maiden sea trials

China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, with a designated hull number of 18, left Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard at around 8 a.m. on Wednesday for its maiden sea trials. 

The trials will primarily test the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier's propulsion and electrical systems.

Since its launch in June 2022, the Fujian has completed its mooring trials, outfitting work and equipment adjustments. It has met the technical requirements for sea trials. 

The new-generation carrier was named after Fujian Province on the southeastern coast of China, following the tradition of naming the first two carriers after the provinces of Liaoning and Shandong.

It is China's first domestically made carrier that uses catapults. With a full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tonnes, the carrier is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices, representing another milestone in the modernization of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. 

Weighing around 100,000 tonnes when fully loaded, the Fujian (Type 003) will join Liaoning (Type 001) and Shandong (Type 002), which were commissioned in 2012 and 2019, respectively. Both carriers employ the "ski-jump" launch method for aircraft, with a ramp at the end of the short runway to help fixed-wing aircraft take off.

With a larger flight deck and a smaller superstructure, Fujian is equipped with three electromagnetically powered catapults, also called Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), rather than a ski ramp.

EMALS is the navy's newest complete carrier-based launch system, which accelerates aircraft take-off speed. It also enables a carrier to launch a broader variety of aircraft, especially those with heavier payloads.

A file photo of China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, with a designated hull number of 18. /CMG

The development of the Type 003 carrier is part of a broader modernization of China's military. It aligns with the country's growing emphasis on the maritime domain and the demands for the PLA Navy to operate at greater distances from China. With the development of the Chinese economy, the navy plays an increasingly important role in sea lines of communication.

With the modernization efforts, China's navy has transformed into a modern and capable force, composed of modern multi-role platforms with advanced weapons and sensors.