China’s Most advanced Aircraft Carrier : Fujian

China Commissions Its Latest Aircraft Carrier – Fujian

Why in news? China has commissioned its latest aircraft carrier after extensive sea trials,  at a naval base on Hainan Island, southern China.

Significance:

• Third Chinese aircraft carrier.
• First carrier fully designed and built by China.
• Represents Xi Jinping’s military modernization plan:

• • Modernized force by 2035.
  • World-class force by mid-century.

• Enhances China’s ability to project power beyond its waters.

Strategic Objectives:

Dominate Near Seas (First Island Chain):

• South China Sea, East China Sea, Yellow Sea.
• Includes regions around Japan, Taiwan, Philippines.

Contest Control of the Second Island Chain:

1. • Pacific regions where the U.S. has military bases, e.g., Guam.

Technical Features of the Fujian:

• Previous carriers:

• • Liaoning – Soviet-made.
  • Shandong – Built in China, based on Soviet model.
  • Both use ski-jump type launch systems.

• Fujian carrier:

• • Uses Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS):
    • Found on latest U.S. Ford-class carriers.

• • • Advantages:
      • Less stress on aircraft and ship.
      • Precise speed control.
      • Launches a wider range of aircraft.

• • Skips older steam catapult technology.

Aircraft Carrier Comparison: China vs India:

Feature	China (Fujian & fleet)	India (INS Vikramaditya & INS Vikrant)
Number of carriers	3 operational: Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian	2 operational: INS Vikramaditya, INS Vikrant
Domestic design & construction	Fujian – first fully designed & built in China	INS Vikrant – first fully indigenous carrier
Launch system	Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) on Fujian; older carriers use ski-jump	Ski-jump (STOBAR – Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery)
Power source	All conventionally powered	Conventionally powered
Aircraft capacity	~40–50 aircraft per carrier (Fujian likely higher due to EMALS)	~30–35 aircraft per carrier
Strategic focus	Power projection beyond China; South China Sea & Pacific; counter U.S. influence	Regional dominance in Indian Ocean; power projection around Asia-Pacific; deterrence vs China & Pakistan
Technology level	EMALS allows wider aircraft types, less stress; modernization ongoing	STOBAR limits aircraft types; indigenous tech, modern electronics & sensors being developed
Long-term vision	Build a world-class navy by 2050; increase carrier fleet	Strengthen regional influence in Indian Ocean; eventually 3+ carriers planned