Navy says Fujian aircraft carrier will make regular appearances on high seas
發佈日期: 2025-11-08 21:55
TVB News
A PLA navy spokesperson said the Fujian, the third in China's aircraft carrier fleet, is expected to make regular appearances on the high seas in the Hainan area.
The vessel, having commissioned into active service, is currently the largest warship in the navy and also the nation's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults.
The Fujian was officially commissioned in Wednesday's ceremony presided by President Xi Jinping, who strode the flight deck during his inspection tour and pressed a catapult button to test an empty launcher.
State media CCTV has released more footage of the catapult control station, dubbed as "bubble" by soldiers.
It is a key component of the shipborne aircraft and the electromagnetic catapult system, mainly serving for preparations of catapults as well as various pre-launch examinations.
Bao Yu, an officer of the vessel, said the catapult button is pressed in this cabin. Also displayed are the fighter jet's weight and launch status.
He added this information is crucial to the safety and stability of the carrier-borne planes.
Lu Junyong, a professor from the Naval University of Engineering, said the Fujian's catapult system features high sortie rate, short readiness time, support for multiple aircraft types, and easy maintenance.
Lu said the electromagnetic system outperforms steam catapults in terms of launch preparation time and aircraft combat radius, which would boost the gigantic carrier's overall combat capability.
Meanwhile, senior captain and navy spokesman Leng Guowei said the Sanya military port in Hainan Province will become the Fujian's home port.
The development and testing of supporting equipment, such as J-35, J-15T and other carrier-based fighter jets, was progressing steadily as scheduled so that the carrier would be fully outfitted before long.
The navy emphasised its efforts in improving weapons do not target any other country or particular objective.
Leng said Beijing will make its subsequent aircraft carrier development plans with full consideration of national defence needs, while sticking to a defensive national defence policy.
