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from https://jasondeegan.com/chinas-80000-ton-warship-stuns-u-s-with-unmatched-combat-display/#google_vignette

China’s 80,000-ton warship stuns U.S. with unmatched combat display
May 21, 2025 Reading time: About 3 minutesby Smith Noah
China’s 80,000-ton warshipPin
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China’s naval ambitions have taken a dramatic leap forward with the
Fujian aircraft carrier, the largest conventionally powered warship ever
built by the country. This massive vessel has recently entered a new
phase of sea trials, showcasing a host of cutting-edge technologies that
signal a fresh chapter in maritime power—and one that’s drawing keen attention from military analysts around the world.

Fujian’s Latest Trials Highlight China’s Naval Leap

Launched in June 2022, the Fujian marks a significant upgrade from its predecessors in China’s fleet. This ship isn’t just bigger; it’s packed with technological innovations designed to expand China’s naval reach.
After its initial tests, the Fujian returned to the waters near Shanghai
for a rigorous series of trials aimed at pushing its systems to the limit.

A key milestone in these tests involves the carrier’s electromagnetic catapult system, a game-changer for Chinese naval aviation. Unlike
earlier carriers that relied on ski-jump ramps, the Fujian can now
launch fully loaded fighter jets faster and more efficiently. The ship’s trials have included testing launch and recovery of cutting-edge
aircraft like the J-15T and J-35 stealth fighters—both specifically engineered for this platform.

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The increased size of the Fujian, with its 80,000-ton displacement, also
means it can carry a larger air wing. This enhances operational
versatility and allows China to project air power over longer distances,
a vital advantage in the increasingly contested Asia-Pacific maritime arena.

Revolutionizing Naval Aviation with Electromagnetic Catapults
One of the Fujian’s standout features is its trio of electromagnetic catapults, which give it capabilities comparable to the most advanced
carriers in the world. This technology, similar to that used on the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, enables faster, more reliable
launches while reducing wear and tear on aircraft.


For pilots, this translates to safer takeoffs and the ability to launch
heavier or fully armed jets—capabilities that dramatically enhance
combat readiness. I recall speaking with a naval aviation expert who
compared this to going from a basic slingshot to a high-precision
railgun: “It’s a total paradigm shift in how we think about carrier operations.”

The Fujian’s integration of these catapults places China alongside a
select group of naval powers capable of operating modern fixed-wing
aircraft from sea, marking a critical step in the country’s military modernization.

Hosting Next-Generation Fighters and Support Aircraft
Beyond just launching jets, the Fujian is designed to host a suite of
advanced aircraft tailored for various mission profiles. This includes
upgraded versions of the J-15 fighter jet, alongside the emerging J-35
stealth fighter, China’s answer to stealth technology in naval aviation.

Also slated to operate from the carrier are the KJ-600 airborne early
warning aircraft and JL-10 advanced trainers, expanding the carrier’s
ability to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and pilot training—all essential elements for sustained naval operations.


The Fujian began training with its catapult system late last year,
putting these planes through the paces with repeated launch tests.
Observers see this as a clear sign China is preparing for full
operational status, with the carrier expected to be fully integrated
into the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) soon.

Strategic Ripples Across the Asia-Pacific
The Fujian’s emergence carries heavy geopolitical weight. As China
bolsters its fleet with such an advanced carrier, the balance of naval
power in the Asia-Pacific is poised for a shift. Regional tensions over territorial claims and freedom of navigation rights add urgency to these developments.

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By fielding a carrier with state-of-the-art launch systems and
next-generation aircraft, China not only boosts its ability to defend
its maritime interests but also sends a clear message about its global
naval ambitions. Defense analysts highlight how this will likely push
rival nations, including the United States, to reassess their strategies
in the region.

In a conversation with a naval strategist, I was reminded how such
advancements don’t just impact military balance—they influence
diplomatic dialogues and regional alliances. “It’s a signal that China
is not only building ships; it’s building power projection capabilities
that demand attention.”

As the Fujian approaches full service, the global community watches
closely. The question is no longer if China will challenge established
naval powers, but how this transformation will redefine the future of
naval warfare and international security in the decades ahead.

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