China has launched its most advanced and expensive aircraft carrier yet.
The Fujian, costing 5.4 billion yen, is an 80,000-ton supership capable of carrying around 60 aircraft. Spanning 300 meters, the Fujian consolidates China’s position as the world’s second largest carrier fleet.
Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the launch of the aircraft carrier, marking a significant step forward in Beijing’s bid to assert itself far beyond its borders.
The carrier was built domestically and is equipped with advanced electromagnetic catapults. The vessel demonstrates China’s ambition to operate a truly deep-sea navy, capable of global reach and influence.
Using its catapult launch system, the aircraft carrier is capable of launching heavy, fully loaded combat aircraft, including early warning and control aircraft.
This allows the carrier to operate against distant targets even in the open sea, as it does not rely on ground-based reconnaissance aircraft to detect threats.
The Fujian is also capable of carrying more weapons and fuel, boosting its range and firepower.
China’s previous aircraft carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, had an upward-inclined ski jump, which could only carry lighter loads and launch fighter jets with fewer weapons.
Another major feature of the Fujian is its electromagnetic catapult system which makes it the second carrier in the world with such technology.
Previously, the American USS Gerald R. Ford had such an advanced system.
Traditionally, conveyors use steam rather than electromagnet systems. Steam catapults place more stress on the aircraft and ship, require more maintenance, and take up more space.
