China Deploys Electromagnetic Catapult on Revolutionary Aircraft Carrier

China Launches Stealth Jet From Electromagnetic Catapult Aircraft Carrier BEIJING, CHINA - The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has successfully demonstrated its ability to launch and recover aircraft from its first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian. According to official imagery released by the PLAN on [Date], the new J-35 naval stealth fighters, KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and J-15T fighter jet are carrying out carrier trials. Ben Lewis, a co-founder of PLATracker, described the test as a "significant milestone" for the Chinese military's carrier program. "Once operational, the PLAN will have the capacity to field fifth-generation stealth carrier aircraft, supported by fixed-wing carrier-based airborne early warning and command aircraft, across the first island chain and Western Pacific Ocean," Lewis said. The use of electromagnetic catapults offers several advantages over traditional steam-powered catapults used by the U.S. Navy. Electromagnetic catapults can be more finely tuned to accommodate different aircraft types, including larger and slower planes like the KJ-600 or smaller and lighter drones. The CNS Fujian is China's second aircraft carrier, following the Liaoning, which was commissioned in 2012. The PLAN has been working on developing its carrier program for over a decade, with a focus on creating a blue-water navy capable of operating across the Asia-Pacific region. According to experts, the electromagnetic catapult system allows for more precise control and flexibility when launching aircraft. "This technology will enable the PLAN to launch a wider range of aircraft types, including stealth fighters like the J-35," said Dr. Zhang, a naval expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The successful test of the CNS Fujian's electromagnetic catapult system marks an important step forward for China's military modernization efforts. As the country continues to expand its naval capabilities, the implications for regional security and global politics will be significant. Background: China has been rapidly expanding its naval capabilities in recent years, with a focus on developing a blue-water navy capable of operating across the Asia-Pacific region. The PLAN has commissioned several new ships and submarines, including the Type 055 destroyer and the Yuan-class submarine. The development of electromagnetic catapults is part of China's broader effort to modernize its military technology. In 2020, the PLAN successfully tested an electromagnetic railgun on a land-based platform, demonstrating its ability to fire high-speed projectiles over long distances. Next Developments: As the CNS Fujian continues to undergo carrier trials, experts will be closely watching for further developments in China's naval capabilities. The successful integration of stealth fighters and airborne early warning aircraft will mark a significant milestone in the PLAN's modernization efforts. In an interview with USNI News, Ben Lewis noted that the test was "a major step forward" for the Chinese military's carrier program. "The PLAN is rapidly closing the gap between itself and other navies around the world," Lewis said. As China continues to expand its naval capabilities, regional security dynamics will be closely watched by experts and policymakers alike. The implications of this development will be significant, with potential impacts on global politics, trade, and security. Attributions: Ben Lewis, co-founder of PLATracker Dr. Zhang, naval expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Sources: Official imagery released by the PLAN USNI News Chinese Academy of Sciences *Reporting by Tech.*