In a first, China's Fujian carrier launches jets with catapult system – watch

China’s navy announced on Monday that three fighter jets successfully took off and landed using a new catapult-style system on its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This is the first time this technology has been tested on the ship.

The Fujian is China’s first carrier with this Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which helps jets take off faster and safely. Jets J-15T, J-35, and KongJing-600 completed their first launches and landings using the system. The ship has finished over 100 days of sea trials and can carry fighter jets, drones, and early warning aircraft.


The tests come as China increases its naval presence in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, areas also claimed by other countries. With 234 warships, China now has more ships than the US Navy. Officials plan to build four to five more carriers, including a nuclear-powered one, and new fighter jets, expanding China’s naval influence in Asia and beyond.

What is EMALS?

EMALS, or Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, is a technology that helps fighter jets take off from aircraft carriers using electromagnetic energy instead of traditional steam catapults. It allows jets to launch more quickly, safely, and efficiently, and also reduces wear and tear on aircraft.

After the Fujian becomes fully operational, China may deploy its aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, areas where it already has a strong naval presence. The country has ships stationed at Djibouti in Africa, and ports in Pakistan’s Gwadar and Sri Lanka’s Hambantota, the latter acquired through a debt deal.

China overtakes US with largest navy

According to a BBC report, China now has 234 warships, making it the largest navy in the world, surpassing the US Navy, which has 219 ships. In comparison, the Indian Navy currently has two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, and is building new ships to strengthen its presence and influence in the Indian Ocean.