China's naval capabilities reached a new milestone as the aircraft carrier Fujian successfully tested its first electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoffs and arrested landings with advanced carrier-based aircraft, the Chinese Navy announced Monday. The J-15T fighter jet, stealth-capable J-35, and KongJing-600 (KJ-600) early warning aircraft completed their inaugural trials, marking a leap in domestically developed carrier technology.
The Fujian, China's first fully homegrown catapult-equipped carrier, demonstrated its ability to launch and recover fixed-wing aircraft using electromagnetic systems – a significant upgrade from previous ski-jump ramp designs. Analysts note this technology places China among a small group of nations mastering advanced carrier operations, enhancing blue-water naval projection.
"This achievement reflects our commitment to safeguarding regional peace through technological innovation," a Navy spokesperson stated. The KJ-600's successful deployment is particularly noteworthy, providing long-range radar coverage that extends a carrier group's situational awareness.
Military observers highlight the strategic implications for Asia's maritime security landscape, while investors track related advancements in China's defense manufacturing sector. The development also offers researchers new insights into contemporary naval aviation trends and cross-strait security dynamics.
