ON November 7, 2025, China officially commissioned the Fujian (Type 003) aircraft carrier, its most advanced and ambitious naval platform to date. Unlike its predecessors—the Liaoning and Shandong, which were based on Soviet-era designs—the Fujian is entirely domestically built, featuring cutting-edge technologies such as electromagnetic catapults (EMALS), a flat-top flight deck and automated aircraft handling systems.

This development marks a strategic leap for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), positioning China as the second country after the United States to deploy EMALS technology. It also signals Beijing’s intent to transition from a coastal defence force to a blue-water navy capable of sustained power projection across the Indo-Pacific.

Fujian vs. Global Counterparts

Feature Fujian (China) USS Gerald

R. Ford (USA) INSVikrant (India) Charles de Gaulle (France)

Commissioned 2025 2017 2022 2001

Displacement ~80,000 tons ~100,000 tons ~45,000 tons ~42,000 tons

Propulsion Conventional Nuclear Conventional Nuclear

Catapult System EMALS EMALS STOBAR CATOBAR

Aircraft Capacity ~60 ~75 ~30 ~40

Strategic Role Regional power Global power projection Coastal defence EU expeditionary missions

While the USS Gerald R Ford remains unmatched in endurance and global reach, the Fujian’s EMALS system, larger air wing and advanced radar suite make it a formidable regional competitor. Unlike India’s INS Vikrant, which uses a ski-jump launch system (STOBAR), the Fujian’s catapults allow for heavier aircraft, including early warning planes and stealth fighters, to operate........

© Pakistan Observer