中國首次正式展示福建航母先進彈射系統

China has unveiled its latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, on its state broadcaster's flagship nightly news programme. This marks the first time the Fujian has been featured in state media news since April. The Fujian is China's first carrier to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a technology that allows planes to be launched more frequently and with more fuel and munitions. The Fujian was shown being towed by three tugboats with what appeared to be a J-15 fighter jet on its flight deck.

The Fujian's catapults set it apart from China's first two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, which launch planes using ski-jump take-off ramps. The United States is the only other country with aircraft carriers equipped with electromagnetic catapult technology. The news footage also showed the Fujian away from its usual berthing position at Shanghai's Jiangnan shipyard, but the exact location was not disclosed.

The Fujian is yet to undergo sea trials to test its systems and components. In November, video clips were uploaded online that seemed to show a dead-load test involving a wheeled vehicle being catapulted from the flight deck. The Fujian is likely to be in dry dock for improvements after its mooring tests. It could also be moved so the hull could be cleaned and degaussed. Degaussing neutralises the ship's magnetic field, which if left unchecked makes it easier for magnetic-sensitive weapons and sensors to detect the vessel. The Fujian was launched in 2022 and its completion would bring China closer to its goal of building a blue-water navy that can operate in the open ocean.