China has conducted significant tests on its new aircraft carrier, Fujian, showcasing advancements in its naval aviation capabilities and accelerating its pursuit of the United States.
Advancements in Naval Aviation
China’s recent tests on the Fujian aircraft carrier demonstrate the country’s rapid progress in developing its naval aviation capabilities. The exercises, which began in May 2024, feature the carrier’s electromagnetic catapults and the operation of advanced fighter jets.
Electromagnetic Catapults and Fighter Jets
The Fujian is China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a technology currently only shared with the US and France. The carrier’s air wing includes the J-15T, a modernized version of China’s standard carrier-based fighter jet, the J-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, and the KJ-600, a flying radar and command center.
Closing the Gap with the US
China’s advancements in aircraft carrier technology and fighter jet development signify a substantial narrowing of the gap with the United States. While the US maintains a significant lead in experience and numbers, China’s rapid progress underscores its ambition to become a major naval power.
Future Plans and Implications
China’s next-generation aircraft carrier, Type 004, is currently under construction and is expected to be even more advanced, with a larger size and more powerful propulsion system. The development of these capabilities has significant implications for regional security and global naval power dynamics.
