Latest news with #CNSFujian
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
China Teases First Catapult Launches From Its New Carrier Fujian
Signs are growing that China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is close to demonstrating its ability to launch and recover aircraft from its first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, if it has not done so already. Fujian completed an eighth round of sea trials, which were said to have been particularly intensive, back in May. Chinese state media outlets have released previously unseen, but also undated videos and pictures showing flight operations aboard Fujian this week in the lead up to today's marking of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Fujian has been conducting sea trials since May 2024 and is reportedly expected to enter operational service by the end of this year. First-ever official footage of flight operations aboard China's newest, soon-to-be commissioned aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian (18)On the eve of the PLA's 98th anniversary, PRC media released video showcasing another major milestone: integration tests between the electromagnetic… — Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) July 31, 2025 Chinese authorities have yet to show aircraft launching from or recovering aboard Fujian, but the newly released imagery notably includes a view of a Shenyang J-15T single-seat carrier-based fighter at least in position for a catapult launch with its afterburners engaged. Another clip shows the shadow being cast on Fujian's deck from a J-15-series fighter flying low over or at least very near the ship. There are no clear indications, one or the other, that the jet in question took off from and/or landed on Fujian. The J-15 family is derived from the Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker, with the T version being specifically developed for catapult launch. Earlier variants of the J-15, as well as the Su-33, were designed for use on short takeoff, but assisted recovery (STOBAR) carriers with ski jumps rather than catapults. The recently released official imagery also includes a look at members of Fujian's crew conducting a so-called Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walk. This is a routine proactive safety measure taken on carriers and land airfields to check for potentially small, but serious hazards ahead of flight operations. A Harbin Z-9 helicopter, a license-produced variant of the Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS365 Dauphin, is also seen in one of the video clips that have been released. Z-9s are also part of the air wings found on China's STOBAR carriers, including for use as plane guards while fixed-wing aircraft are launching and recovering. It's also worth noting here that it's unclear whether the PLAN could have launched a J-15T from Fujian's deck without the help of the ship's catapults, possibly by using a jet with a light fuel load and/or that is otherwise stripped down, and a long takeoff run. In such a scenario, the aircraft would also have to be craned off afterward. Still, it seems more likely that Fujian is now launching and recovering fixed-wing aircraft, or at least is getting very close to doing so, as part of its ongoing trials. Basic function testing of the carrier's electromagnetically-powered catapults first began in 2023 while the ship was still being fitted out. Chinese state media has also released other imagery in the past showing members of the carrier's crew at least going through the motions of a catapult launch. Un passager d'un vol commercial survolant près du chantier naval Changxing Jiangnan à Shanghai, où le troisième porte-avions chinois est actuellement en construction, a pu filmer ce qui semble être un test de catapultage dans le bassin. — East Pendulum (@HenriKenhmann) November 26, 2023 As China's first CATOBAR carrier, Fujian has been a source of great interest, in general, for years now. With Fujian, the PLAN is also notably going straight to electromagnetic catapults without ever operating a carrier that uses steam-powered ones. The U.S. Navy's supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford was the first carrier ever to get an aircraft into the air using what is also referred to as an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). France and India are also now moving to field EMALS-equipped carriers, and the United Kingdom may also follow suit. Electromagnetic catapults offer the advantage of being able to be more finely tuned to very different aircraft types, particularly ones at the smaller and lighter end of the spectrum. EMALS, which are also less complicated mechanically than their predecessors, offer lower reset times that can help increase sortie generation rate. At the same time, the electromagnetic catapults on USS Gerald R. Ford did prove to be temperamental new technology, causing issues for years before the U.S. Navy said it was able to mitigate them. The overall capabilities that EMALS offer are particularly relevant for launching uncrewed platforms. The PLAN is actively pursuing advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) and other types of drones that can be launched from carriers and big deck amphibious warfare ships. Fujian's full air wing is set to also include new J-35 naval stealth fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft. Oh man, what a start to the day! I think this is actually the very best photo of a naval J-35 published so far and here quite clearly the prototypes 3501 (with Pitot) & 3506.(Image via @齐天的孙猴子 from Weibo) — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) June 19, 2025 A great KJ-600 image for the morning … — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) June 20, 2025 Imagery of a new jet trainer, which looks to be based on the existing JL-10 and could be designed with carrier training in mind, has also emerged today. Conducting routine CATOBAR operations from Fujian will also require the PLAN to set up a steady pipeline for naval aviators qualified to do so. Here a better one via Huitong's CMA-Blog@HarpiaP — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 1, 2025 More broadly speaking, Fujian reflects a major modernization push by the PLAN dating back to the 1990s, with particular emphasis on supporting higher-end region missions, such as intervention against Taiwan, as well as longer-range blue water operations in the Pacific and beyond. China is reportedly already working on a new CATOBAR carrier, commonly referred to as the Type 004, which may also be nuclear-powered. Renderings that have emerged in the past related to that design show distinct similarities to the U.S. Navy's Ford class and France's future New Generation Aircraft Carrier, both of which are nuclear-powered. PLAN modernization has not been limited to carriers, but also includes a still-growing array of new and ever-more advanced surface combatants, amphibious warfare ships, and more. China has been particularly prolific when it comes to the relatively rapid expansion of its amphibious fleets. This includes a super-sized big deck amphibious assault ship named Sichuan, also referred to as the Type 076, which is unlike any other such vessel in service anywhere else in the world. It notably has its own single electromagnetic catapult along one side of the forward end of the flight deck. Sichuan has also been a major feature in media related to the 98th anniversary of the PLA's founding. Soldiers Chorus Navy Band Performance • Saluting & Celebrating PLA 98 Years of Founding Anniversary | Type 076 'Sichuan' 51 — David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) August 1, 2025 Some new shots of Type 076 LHA 51 Sichuan, courtesy of a PLA media event (no relation to fitting out/trials). CODAG propulsion visible via funnels. EMALS shelter remains in place. Via "ACuriousPLAFan"/"by78"/SDF. — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) August 1, 2025 Chinese state media this week has also highlighted an example of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, as well as shown imagery of a significant portion of all of the PLAN's major amphibious warships sailing in formation together. The PLAN's amphibious capabilities are also growing further now with new jack-up barges that can be linked together to help get ground forces ashore, as you can read more about here. #PLAN The newest Type-075 LHD (34) is now called 'Hubei'. Today is August 1st, 八一, the PLA's 98th Anniversary – Expect many announcements (or reveals) — Iron Lady (@nuwangzi) August 1, 2025 Four Type 071 LPD and two Type 075 LHD on a joint cruise. Coincidentally or not exactly half of each types overall numbers active in the PLAN fleet. Via "by78"/SDF. — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) August 1, 2025 1/x New lengthy & detailed footage (2nd & 3rd videos) of the Chinese Shuiqiao-type landing barges (self-propelled amphibious landing platform utility vessels) during some trials with civilian cars(via wb/齐天的孙猴子) — Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) June 15, 2025 This year's anniversary of the PLA's founding comes amid new geopolitical friction with the United States, especially over tariffs and other trade issues. In addition, there continues to be ominous warnings about PLA efforts to at least get to a place where it would be confident of succeeding in an armed intervention against Taiwan, potentially as soon as 2027. 'The [Taiwanese] population need[s] to not be naive like in the past,' Wu Chihchung, Taiwan's deputy foreign minister, said in an interview with Sky News in the United Kingdom that was broadcast today. 'China is preparing to invade Taiwan.' If nothing else, there are growing signs that China's first catapult-equipped carrier Fujian is getting ever closer to entering operational service. Contact the author: joe@ Solve the daily Crossword
Economic Times
03-08-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
China decodes US tech, Fujian aircraft carrier tests catapult launch of J-15T fighter
China has publicly released the first-ever official footage of flight operations aboard its newest, soon-to-be commissioned aircraft carrier CNS Fujian, marking a watershed moment in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) naval modernization—and a clear signal of its ongoing technological catch-up with the United States Navy. The footage, published by Chinese state media just before the 98th anniversary of the PLAN, depicts a J-15T fighter positioned on the Fujian's deck with afterburners engaged and an officer authorizing takeoff. The Fujian carrier's recent successful tests of electromagnetic catapult launches with the domestically modified J-15T fighter demonstrate China's adaptation of advanced US naval technology, specifically the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) that the US pioneered on its latest USS Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. This breakthrough shifts China away from earlier ski-jump assisted launches towards a CATOBAR configuration (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery), enabling heavier aircraft with larger weapons and fuel payloads and faster launch cycles. — ianellisjones (@ianellisjones) The United States Navy's flagship carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), represents the pinnacle of naval aviation technology and remains the world's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier as of 2025. Commissioned in 2017, Gerald R. Ford displaces approximately 100,000 long tons at full load, stretches 337 meters in length, and supports a crew totaling over 4,500 personnel including its air wing. It carries more than 75 aircraft and features the revolutionary Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). In contrast, China's latest carrier, the CNS Fujian (Type 003), displaces over 80,000 tons. While smaller than the Gerald R. Ford, the Fujian represents a transformative leap in Chinese naval aviation capabilities, allowing operation of heavier, more advanced aircraft like the catapult-modified J-15T fighters and future stealth platforms. According to the Congressional Research Service, China's navy surpassed the US in sheer numbers of battle force ships years ago and aims to expand its fleet to nearly 400 ships by 2025 and over 430 by 2030, compared to the US Navy's planned fleet of about 290 ships by 2030. While the US maintains qualitative superiority in areas such as nuclear submarines and global reach, China rapidly closes gaps in surface ship technology, shipbuilding capacity—estimated to be over 200 times larger than the US—and naval aviation capabilities. China's Fujian, launched in mid-2022 and undergoing intensive sea trials since 2024, features three state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapults and will operate an advanced air wing consisting of J-15T fighters, the stealthy J-35, electronic warfare J-15D jets, and KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft. The carrier displaces between 80,000-85,000 tons, comparable to the US's earlier generation supercarriers. The J-15T jets seen in official footage display reinforced landing gear and launch bar fittings, evidencing the move from ski-jump to catapult launch technology. This leap reflects China's systematic efforts to reverse-engineer and innovate on US naval technologies, tightening the technological gap in key areas of catapult launch systems—previously a uniquely US preserve on nuclear carriers—and enhancing China's ability to sustain higher sortie rates and flexible mission profiles critical for blue-water naval major differences remain. The US Navy leads significantly in nuclear-powered submarines (66 vs 12), a critical factor in strategic deterrence and underwater warfare. The US also retains greater global naval reach with 11 carriers and numerous overseas bases compared to China's three carriers primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific rapidly expanding shipbuilding industry, with far greater capacity than the US's more constrained yards, offers a strategic advantage in sustained wartime ship replacement and fleet expansion. Analysts note that China's newer ships benefit from modern designs and advanced weapons systems, with many vessels launched after 2010, while a majority of US ships onboard are older generations undergoing modernization.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Time of India
China decodes US tech, Fujian aircraft carrier tests catapult launch of J-15T fighter
China has publicly released the first-ever official footage of flight operations aboard its newest, soon-to-be commissioned aircraft carrier CNS Fujian , marking a watershed moment in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) naval modernization—and a clear signal of its ongoing technological catch-up with the United States Navy . The footage, published by Chinese state media just before the 98th anniversary of the PLAN, depicts a J-15T fighter positioned on the Fujian's deck with afterburners engaged and an officer authorizing takeoff. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Technology Management healthcare Others Degree CXO Finance Product Management Operations Management MCA Data Science Project Management Digital Marketing Data Analytics Design Thinking Public Policy PGDM Data Science Cybersecurity others Leadership MBA Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details The Fujian carrier's recent successful tests of electromagnetic catapult launches with the domestically modified J-15T fighter demonstrate China's adaptation of advanced US naval technology, specifically the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) that the US pioneered on its latest USS Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. This breakthrough shifts China away from earlier ski-jump assisted launches towards a CATOBAR configuration (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery), enabling heavier aircraft with larger weapons and fuel payloads and faster launch cycles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Duong An Duong Vuong: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo — ianellisjones (@ianellisjones) The United States Navy's flagship carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), represents the pinnacle of naval aviation technology and remains the world's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier as of 2025. Commissioned in 2017, Gerald R. Ford displaces approximately 100,000 long tons at full load, stretches 337 meters in length, and supports a crew totaling over 4,500 personnel including its air wing. It carries more than 75 aircraft and features the revolutionary Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). Live Events In contrast, China's latest carrier, the CNS Fujian (Type 003), displaces over 80,000 tons. While smaller than the Gerald R. Ford, the Fujian represents a transformative leap in Chinese naval aviation capabilities, allowing operation of heavier, more advanced aircraft like the catapult-modified J-15T fighters and future stealth platforms. According to the Congressional Research Service, China's navy surpassed the US in sheer numbers of battle force ships years ago and aims to expand its fleet to nearly 400 ships by 2025 and over 430 by 2030, compared to the US Navy 's planned fleet of about 290 ships by 2030. While the US maintains qualitative superiority in areas such as nuclear submarines and global reach, China rapidly closes gaps in surface ship technology, shipbuilding capacity—estimated to be over 200 times larger than the US—and naval aviation capabilities. China's Fujian, launched in mid-2022 and undergoing intensive sea trials since 2024, features three state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapults and will operate an advanced air wing consisting of J-15T fighters, the stealthy J-35, electronic warfare J-15D jets, and KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft. The carrier displaces between 80,000-85,000 tons, comparable to the US's earlier generation supercarriers. The J-15T jets seen in official footage display reinforced landing gear and launch bar fittings, evidencing the move from ski-jump to catapult launch technology. This leap reflects China's systematic efforts to reverse-engineer and innovate on US naval technologies, tightening the technological gap in key areas of catapult launch systems—previously a uniquely US preserve on nuclear carriers—and enhancing China's ability to sustain higher sortie rates and flexible mission profiles critical for blue-water naval dominance. However, major differences remain. The US Navy leads significantly in nuclear-powered submarines (66 vs 12), a critical factor in strategic deterrence and underwater warfare. The US also retains greater global naval reach with 11 carriers and numerous overseas bases compared to China's three carriers primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific theater. China's rapidly expanding shipbuilding industry, with far greater capacity than the US's more constrained yards, offers a strategic advantage in sustained wartime ship replacement and fleet expansion. Analysts note that China's newer ships benefit from modern designs and advanced weapons systems, with many vessels launched after 2010, while a majority of US ships onboard are older generations undergoing modernization.
Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China's Most-Advanced Aircraft Carrier Tests US Ally
The most-advanced but yet-to-be-commissioned Chinese aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian, was reportedly conducting operations in the disputed waters near South Korea, a United States ally. Newsweek has reached out to the South Korean Foreign Ministry for comment by email. The Chinese Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. China and South Korea established the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) in the Yellow Sea under a 2000 agreement, where their 230-mile-wide exclusive economic zones (EEZs) overlap. In late May, China declared "no-sail zones" within the PMZ for military exercises. China has the largest navy in the world by hull count, with over 370 ships and submarines-including two aircraft carriers in active service. Its third carrier, the Fujian, is continuing sea trials as part of its "construction process," the Chinese Defense Ministry previously said. Unlike its predecessors, which use a ski-jump flight deck for aircraft takeoffs, the Fujian is equipped with electromagnetic catapults, enabling it to launch heavier aircraft. A Pentagon report said that the warship is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025. Citing "multiple South Korean government sources," the local newspaper The Chosun Ilbo reported on Friday that the Fujian conducted flight operations with carrier-based aircraft in the PMZ from May 22 to 28, while three Chinese "no-sail zones" in the area were in effect. The report said this was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier conducted such operations in the PMZ. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed to the newspaper that it had tracked and analyzed the Chinese naval activity, which lasted less than a week. Satellite images shared by @d_viekass, an open-source intelligence analyst on X (formerly Twitter), show that the Fujian was no longer visible at a shipyard in Shanghai-where it was built-as early as May 22. It returned a week later after completing its eighth sea trial. From a military perspective, the PMZ-located outside Chinese and South Korean territorial waters-is not ideal terrain for aircraft carriers. "This is more about asserting that 'we can do whatever we want in our front yard,'" a South Korean defense source told The Chosun Ilbo. The newspaper's editorial claimed that the shallow depth of the Yellow Sea, as well as its vulnerability to anti-ship missiles, makes the PMZ "unsuitable" for aircraft-carrier operations. South Korean military data shows that China has maintained a persistent naval presence in the PMZ and South Korea's sole EEZ, but outside the U.S. ally's territorial waters that extend up to 13.8 miles from the coastline. The Chosun Ilbo wrote in an editorial on Sunday: "In this zone, where the maritime boundary with South Korea remains undefined, China had already installed fixed structures and large buoys believed to have military purposes. Now it has brought in a carrier as well. This likely signals an intent to turn the [Yellow Sea] into Chinese territorial waters and to build military power against the South Korea-U. S. and Japan-U. S. alliances." The Chinese Foreign Ministry said following a meeting between Chinese and South Korean officials in April: "The two sides also agreed to enhance mutual trust and strive to make the Yellow Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, while jointly promoting the continuous development of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership." ROK stands for Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea. It remains to be seen how South Korea will enhance its presence in the PMZ-including naval patrols and exercises-to counter growing Chinese activity in the disputed waters. Related Articles US States Seek To Ban Chinese Citizens From Buying Land, PropertyChina Issues Travel Warning Over LA RiotsChinese Aircraft Carrier Breaches Pacific Island Defense LineFBI Working With India to Disrupt Chinese Fentanyl Network-Kash Patel 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China's Most-Advanced Aircraft Carrier Tests US Ally
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The most-advanced but yet-to-be-commissioned Chinese aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian, was reportedly conducting operations in the disputed waters near South Korea, a United States ally. Newsweek has reached out to the South Korean Foreign Ministry for comment by email. The Chinese Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Why It Matters China and South Korea established the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) in the Yellow Sea under a 2000 agreement, where their 230-mile-wide exclusive economic zones (EEZs) overlap. In late May, China declared "no-sail zones" within the PMZ for military exercises. What To Know China has the largest navy in the world by hull count, with over 370 ships and submarines—including two aircraft carriers in active service. Its third carrier, the Fujian, is continuing sea trials as part of its "construction process," the Chinese Defense Ministry previously said. Unlike its predecessors, which use a ski-jump flight deck for aircraft takeoffs, the Fujian is equipped with electromagnetic catapults, enabling it to launch heavier aircraft. A Pentagon report said that the warship is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025. Citing "multiple South Korean government sources," the local newspaper The Chosun Ilbo reported on Friday that the Fujian conducted flight operations with carrier-based aircraft in the PMZ from May 22 to 28, while three Chinese "no-sail zones" in the area were in effect. The report said this was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier conducted such operations in the PMZ. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed to the newspaper that it had tracked and analyzed the Chinese naval activity, which lasted less than a week. Satellite images shared by @d_viekass, an open-source intelligence analyst on X (formerly Twitter), show that the Fujian was no longer visible at a shipyard in Shanghai—where it was built—as early as May 22. It returned a week later after completing its eighth sea trial. From a military perspective, the PMZ—located outside Chinese and South Korean territorial waters—is not ideal terrain for aircraft carriers. "This is more about asserting that 'we can do whatever we want in our front yard,'" a South Korean defense source told The Chosun Ilbo. The newspaper's editorial claimed that the shallow depth of the Yellow Sea, as well as its vulnerability to anti-ship missiles, makes the PMZ "unsuitable" for aircraft-carrier operations. South Korean military data shows that China has maintained a persistent naval presence in the PMZ and South Korea's sole EEZ, but outside the U.S. ally's territorial waters that extend up to 13.8 miles from the coastline. What People Are Saying The Chosun Ilbo wrote in an editorial on Sunday: "In this zone, where the maritime boundary with South Korea remains undefined, China had already installed fixed structures and large buoys believed to have military purposes. Now it has brought in a carrier as well. This likely signals an intent to turn the [Yellow Sea] into Chinese territorial waters and to build military power against the South Korea-U. S. and Japan-U. S. alliances." CNS "Fujian," China's third aircraft carrier, starts its maiden sea trial in Shanghai, China, on May 1, 2024. CNS "Fujian," China's third aircraft carrier, starts its maiden sea trial in Shanghai, China, on May 1, 2024. Pu Haiyang/VCG via AP The Chinese Foreign Ministry said following a meeting between Chinese and South Korean officials in April: "The two sides also agreed to enhance mutual trust and strive to make the Yellow Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, while jointly promoting the continuous development of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership." ROK stands for Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea. What Happens Next It remains to be seen how South Korea will enhance its presence in the PMZ—including naval patrols and exercises—to counter growing Chinese activity in the disputed waters.
