China's Fujian Aircraft Carrier Conducts First Live-Fire Drills
The Chinese Navy's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has completed its first live-fire drills. Various carrier-based aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter, participated in the exercises to assess the navy's operational capabilities. These drills were conducted to enhance the Chinese Navy's power and operational capabilities. The live-fire exercises tested the Fujian's weapon systems and combat capabilities, while the aircraft take-off and landing drills focused on mastering aircraft carrier operations. China's state-run CCTV stated that the exercises were regular training in accordance with the annual plan. CCTV explained that the goal of the exercises was to evaluate training results and comprehensively improve the military's operational capabilities. The specific location of the exercises was not disclosed.
The Fujian is China's most advanced aircraft carrier, built with indigenous technology, and officially commissioned on November 5th. The vessel is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult launch system, allowing it to launch heavier carrier-based aircraft faster and more efficiently than the traditional ski-jump method. Military experts analyze that the Fujian's operational deployment will significantly expand the Chinese Navy's operational radius and serve as a check on U.S. naval power in areas such as the South China Sea and the Western Pacific. The Fujian is considered a core asset in the Chinese Navy's long-held goal of building a 'blue-water navy.'
In addition to the Fujian, China already operates two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong. The Liaoning is a refitted unfinished aircraft carrier acquired from Ukraine, while the Shandong is China's first domestically built aircraft carrier. The Fujian is larger than the Shandong, can carry more carrier-based aircraft, and incorporates cutting-edge technology, which is expected to greatly contribute to strengthening the Chinese Navy. The J-35 stealth fighter, which participated in the exercises, is a next-generation carrier-based aircraft being developed by China, reportedly to counter the U.S. F-35 fighter. The J-15T is an improved version of the J-15 fighter, designed to be optimized for electromagnetic catapult systems. The J-15DT electronic warfare aircraft plays a role in disrupting enemy radar and communication systems, while the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft detects enemy movements in the air and provides information to friendly forces.
The Fujian's first live-fire drills are considered an important step for the Chinese Navy in deploying its aircraft carrier force for combat. China is expected to continue to conduct exercises with the Fujian and other aircraft carrier assets to strengthen its naval power. These exercises are interpreted as part of military preparedness and focus on enhancing maritime operational capabilities. The specific plans for the Fujian's next exercises have not yet been announced. However, the Chinese Navy is expected to continuously conduct various exercises to operationalize the Fujian.
