China's Third Aircraft Carrier, Fujian Commences First Sea Trial

China's third aircraft carrier, named the Fujian, embarked on its first sea trial session on Wednesday from Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

China Central Television broadcasted footage of the Fujian leaving the shipyard live on social media.

The official confirmation of the Fujian’s maiden voyage came after China’s maritime safety administration on April 30 issued two navigation restriction notices, one stating that a large ship will exit the estuary of the Yangtze River on Wednesday, and another stating that military activities will be commenced in an area in the East China Sea from Wednesday to May 9, which observers said indicates that the Fujian’s maiden voyage will likely last until May 9.

This carrier is the first Chinese aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a feature that sets it apart from earlier Chinese carriers which used ski jump ramps.

China’s previous two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, displace about 60,000 tons each and use ski jump ramps to assist aircraft takeoffs. 

The Fujian, with a displacement exceeding 80,000 tons, represents a substantial advancement in China's aircraft carrier capabilities. Its larger size allows for increased aircraft capacity, and the electromagnetic catapults enable more efficient and versatile aircraft launches, including heavier and more advanced aircraft types.

The sea trial will primarily assess the reliability and stability of the carrier's subsystems, including propulsion and power. This initial trial phase is crucial in ensuring the carrier's readiness for more comprehensive testing of operational components, such as electromagnetic compatibility, weapons systems, and aircraft operations, in the coming months.

The construction of the Fujian began at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai in June 2022 and progressed according to plan, culminating in successful mooring tests and equipment calibrations to prepare for sea trials.

The sea trial phase, which may span over a year or more, will involve comprehensive testing to validate the carrier's operational capabilities.