In a development that could reshape naval power balances, China’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, has reportedly completed successful catapult take-off trials marking a historic moment for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The trial was revealed through a segment aired by China Central Television (CCTV) during celebrations for the PLA’s 98th anniversary.
The CCTV segment, though not showing actual launch visuals, featured audio from the ship’s control room that hinted strongly at real catapult launches. A commanding voice declared, “Parameters checked, position two cleared for take-off,” followed by the decisive order: “All set, conditions normal … take-off!” The roar that followed was met with jubilant cheers from crew and researchers onboard.
Emotions ran high, with one researcher exclaiming, “17 years! That’s enough time for a child to grow up!”—a nod to the long journey China has taken to master catapult technology. A caption in the footage read: “Every successful simulation was preparation for this actual take-off.” Viewers also caught a glimpse of what appeared to be the shadow of a J-15T fighter jet on deck, hinting that the aircraft had indeed taken flight.
Senior Captain Tian Wei, head of naval aviation on the Fujian, confirmed that the ship was “entering its final preparatory stage” after its eighth sea trial in May. He emphasized the current goal: “to add to its [capacity for] seamless transition from ski-jump to catapult take-off, optimising and shortening this time to rapidly achieve combat capability upon commissioning.”
Unlike China’s earlier carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, which rely on ski-jump ramps, the Fujian employs an advanced electromagnetic catapult launch system (EMALS), the same cutting-edge technology used on the U.S. Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford. This upgrade allows aircraft to take off with heavier payloads of fuel and weapons, paving the way for advanced aircraft operations, including electronic warfare planes, early-warning aircraft, and potentially stealth fighters like the J-35.
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