China's Fujian Aircraft Carrier, armed with cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult technology, is gearing up for its landmark sea trials.
The South China Morning Post reports that the trials, scheduled to commence on May 1st and last until May 9th, come after meticulous preparations and maritime traffic controls imposed around the mouth of China's longest river, Yangtze.
The warship, China's first to utilize advanced electromagnetic catapults, is set to demonstrate its ability to launch fighter planes more frequently, showcasing China's technological advancements in naval warfare.
According to Naval News, the carrier's construction timeline was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with construction phases spanning roughly two years each.
LOOK:
China's aircraft carrier Fujian heads out for sea trial.
— Zhao DaShuai 东北进修🇨🇳 (@zhao_dashuai) April 29, 2024
It's expected to be ready by 2027.
By then we'll have the number of carriers needed to enforce a total exclusion zone.
Carriers aren't the key to the total exclusion zone, but they are the most visible component of it. pic.twitter.com/Jm9c9hLyRa
Fujian Aircraft Carrier Prepares for Sea Trials
Authorities have designated a prohibited area in the East China Sea, spanning 57 kilometers wide and 68 kilometers long, for the sea trials, indicating the potential area of operations for the Fujian.
This move highlights the importance of the upcoming trials and the precision required for the carrier's operational readiness. Additionally, a shipping exclusion zone off the coast of Shanghai has been defined.
The Fujian's relocation to a berth along the riverfront, as reported by Naval News, signifies the final preparations for the trials. Imagery circulated on Chinese social media depicts the carrier being assisted by tugboats as it maneuvers into position, highlighting the coordinated effort involved in readying the vessel for sea trials.
QINGDAO, CHINA - APRIL 22: Naval officers from attending countries watch a video about the PLA Navy showing a Chinese aircraft carrier at the opening of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium on April 22, 2024 in Qingdao, China. Senior naval officers from 29 countries including the US, Russia, Japan and the United Kingdom are attending the meeting which is being held on April 22 and 23rd.
Fujian Carrier's Advanced Electromagnetic Catapults
Named after the eponymous Chinese province and boasting a hull number of 18, the Fujian is poised to become a formidable asset for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
With a reported weight exceeding 80,000 tons, the carrier represents a major advancement in China's naval capabilities, particularly in the context of its ambitions to become the world's second-largest blue-water navy by 2035, as outlined by the South China Morning Post.
The carrier's electromagnetic catapults and arrestor gear, confirmed by official sources, allows for smoother and more efficient aircraft launches, enhancing the carrier's operational effectiveness in various scenarios.
The Fujian's sea trials follow a rigorous construction process spanning six years, from the assembly of superblocks to final assembly in drydock. This meticulous approach reflects China's dedication to ensuring the carrier's readiness for operational deployment.
Taiwan's defense ministry has voiced concerns about the Fujian's capabilities, warning about the carrier's potential threat in the event of a cross-strait conflict.
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