BEIJING (Agencies): China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has successfully completed its maiden eight-day voyage, marking a significant step towards its commissioning. The Fujian, equipped with a world-class electromagnetic catapult, is set to greatly empower the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in safeguarding peace and stability against maritime and aerial security threats.
The Fujian returned to a pier at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai after successfully completing a series of tests on its subsystems and equipment, including the propulsion and electrical systems. The PLA Navy stated that the voyage achieved the expected results and the Fujian will continue to carry out follow-up test procedures according to preset plans.
The Fujian is expected to test radar systems, communications systems, close-in weapons systems, and landing systems in future voyage tests. Unlike its predecessors, the 60,000 ton-class Liaoning and Shandong, the 80,000 ton-class Fujian is equipped with three electromagnetic catapults to launch aircraft. This allows the Fujian to carry more aircraft and launch them more efficiently.
The successful maiden voyage has laid a solid foundation for future test voyages and marks a concrete step towards its commissioning into the PLA Navy. However, the PLA Navy will not rush to put the carrier into service until it is fully ready, focusing on scientific methods and combat capability.