# Defense & Security 2025: China Commissions the Fujian Aircraft Carrier

November 07, 2025 (Hainan, China) – China has formally commissioned its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian (CV‑18), in a ceremony held at Sanya Naval Base on Hainan Island.

President Xi Jinping attended the event, inspecting the ship and its systems, and symbolically signing aboard.

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Key Highlights

• First Indigenous Supercarrier: The Fujian is the first aircraft carrier that is wholly designed and built in China, marking a major technological milestone.

• Electromagnetic Launch System: It is equipped with an EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System), enabling more capable and heavier aircraft operations.

• Air Wing Composition: Visible on deck during the commissioning were multiple types of aircraft, including:

• The J‑35 fifth-generation naval stealth fighter

• The J‑15T carrier-capable fourth-generation fighter

• The KJ‑600 early warning & control aircraft

• The Z‑20J naval helicopter

• Trials & Testing: Prior to commissioning, Fujian underwent at least nine sea trials since May 2024.

• Strategic Significance: The carrier underscores China’s ambition to enhance its blue-water naval power and project force farther from its shores.

• Limitations: Despite its technological edge, Fujian remains conventionally powered, which could limit its operational endurance compared to nuclear-powered counterparts.

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Implications

• The commissioning is a symbolic and practical step forward in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) modernization, reflecting China’s commitment to building a modern, far-reaching maritime force.

• With EMALS capability, the carrier can support a diverse and heavier air wing, improving its strike range and flexibility.

• While the ship is now officially in service, analysts note that further work remains — including shakedown cruises, operational integration, and full deployment of its air wing.

• The Fujian also carries symbolic weight in regional geopolitics, especially in the context of power dynamics in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific.