China’s advanced Fujian aircraft carrier begins first sea trials – Firstpost

China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, began its first sea trials on Wednesday, state-run media reported.

According to the official

Xinhua reported that the sea trials will mainly evaluate the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems.

It noted that the Fujian has completed mooring trials, equipment tasks and equipment adjustments since its launch in June 2022, and has met the necessary technical conditions for conducting the trials.

China has hailed the Fujian as a crucial part of its military arsenal, moving Beijing closer to its ambition to project its military power globally, in line with President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a world-class military by mid-century to aim.

Compared to its predecessors, the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, and the Liaoning, purchased from Ukraine in 1998 and refurbished domestically, the Fujian is larger and more technologically advanced. The use of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, a Chinese version known for its smoother acceleration and reduced stress on airframes, underlines China’s technological progress.

The Chinese system, experts say, promises greater energy efficiency and sustainability, allowing a wider range of aircraft to be launched. Once commissioned, it will join the US Navy’s nuclear-powered carriers as the only other ships equipped with such technology.

Chinese state media claim that when completed, the Fujian will have a displacement of more than 80,000 tons, surpassing any warship ever built in Asia and becoming the world’s largest non-American aircraft carrier.

By comparison, the Shandong and Liaoning have a displacement of about 66,000 tons and 60,000 tons, respectively, using the ski jump method for launching fixed-wing aircraft, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Liaoning underwent ten sea trials before entering service, while the Shandong completed nine before being officially commissioned.

With input from agencies

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