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China Showcases Electromagnetic Catapult Launches on Fujian Aircraft Carrier

Beijing, September 2025 – China has released state-television footage showing its newest aircraft carrier, Fujian, launching three different aircraft with an electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS).
This is the first time China has publicly demonstrated the technology at sea, a step analysts call a major milestone in its naval program.

Three Aircraft Successfully Launched

The video, aired by China Central Television (CCTV), shows:

the J-35 stealth fighter,

the upgraded J-15T fighter, and

the KJ-600 early-warning aircraft

all taking off from the Fujian’s deck using EMALS.
China’s military described the test as proof that the carrier’s core launch technology is now operational.

What Makes EMALS Important

Unlike the older ski-jump ramps used on China’s first two carriers — Liaoning and Shandong — EMALS uses electromagnetic force to propel aircraft.
This means planes can leave the deck with more fuel and heavier weapons, allowing longer range and greater strike power.
It also makes it possible to launch large support aircraft, such as airborne early-warning planes, which ski-jump ramps cannot handle.

Military analysts say EMALS is a key step toward a “blue-water navy” — a fleet able to operate far beyond a nation’s coastline.

How Fujian Compares to U.S. Supercarriers

The United States’ newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, also uses EMALS.
But there are key differences:

Power source: Ford-class carriers are nuclear-powered, so they can remain at sea for months, limited mainly by crew supplies.
Fujian uses conventional power, meaning it must refuel at sea or in port.

Catapults: Reports say Fujian has three catapults, while the U.S. carrier uses four, allowing the Ford class to launch more aircraft in quick succession.

Even with these differences, Fujian is now China’s most advanced carrier and closes much of the technology gap with the U.S. Navy.

Next Steps and Sea Trials

Former U.S. Navy captain Carl Schuster told international media that Fujian will continue sea and integration trials into next year.
These trials will likely involve joint exercises with the PLA Air Force and the PLA Rocket Force.
If the tests succeed, China could officially commission Fujian into active naval service within months.

Why the Timing Matters

The release of the video comes while a U.S. congressional delegation visits Beijing — the first such trip in six years.
Talks focus on improving military-to-military communication between the world’s two largest armed forces.

U.S. Representative Adam Smith warned that without regular dialogue, there is a risk of “dangerous miscalculations.”
China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun called on Washington to “remove disruptive and restrictive factors” to improve ties.

The talks follow a recent phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, ahead of their planned meeting at the APEC summit in South Korea next month.

Strategic Implications

If Fujian reaches full operational status:

China will gain the ability to project air power well beyond its shores, including in contested areas such as the South China Sea.

The carrier will be able to launch long-range strike missions and maintain early-warning coverage over wider areas.

It will mark a new stage in China’s effort to build a global blue-water navy.

Caution From Experts

Analysts note that public footage does not confirm full combat readiness.
High-tempo operations, maintenance in rough seas, and pilot training still present major tests.
U.S. carriers have faced similar challenges in bringing EMALS to full reliability.

Outlook

China is already working on a next-generation carrier, the Type 004, expected to use nuclear power.
If completed, it would give Beijing a platform that can match U.S. carriers not only in technology but also in endurance.

For now, the Fujian’s successful catapult launches send a clear signal: China’s naval ambitions are advancing — and the global balance of carrier power is shifting.

Sources: CCTV broadcast; reports from Reuters, AP, Business Insider, and other major international outlets as of September 2025.

Docunews Central Reporting.