Thanks to a new series of images revealed through Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China has commenced the fourth sea trial of the Fujian aircraft carrier (CV-18). Since its launch in 2023, China’s third aircraft carrier and second domestically built one has been undergoing the required sea trials to achieve full operational capability.
This time, various media outlets have reported that China issued a statement announcing that in the coming days, the CV-18 will be navigating the waters surrounding the giant Asian nation. It is highlighted that the aircraft carrier will undergo its fourth sea trial in the Yellow Sea, approximately 270 km east of Qingdao.
During these trials, satellite images show that the aircraft carrier is being accompanied by two ships about 130 meters in length, which suggests they could be Type 054A frigates. Additionally, replicas of KJ-600 and J-15 aircraft have been identified on the flight deck, indicating possible tests of deck operation procedures.
It is worth noting that prior to the third sea trial, conducted in July 2024, the Fujian had its first voyage in May, followed by a second that concluded in mid-June amid tensions with Taiwan. In July, various indications pointed to the carrier preparing for a new voyage, one of which was the presence of a Type 901 logistic ship from the Chinese Navy, used for replenishment at sea.
The incorporation of a new aircraft carrier is a demanding and complex task, as the various systems must undergo rigorous testing, along with the training of the crews who will operate it, both in terms of the specific ship and the aircraft that will form its Air Group. For the People’s Liberation Army Navy, this is of particular significance, as the Fujian is the first aircraft carrier of national design, unlike the Liaoning and Shandong, which are of Russian/Soviet origin.
It is important to highlight the inclusion of new technologies in the Fujian, such as electromagnetic catapults, similar to the EMALS used in the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford class. Previously, Chinese aircraft carriers used the Sky Jump system for aircraft launches, which limited the payload they could carry. Although the images do not reveal further details, the successive sea trials suggest that critical evaluations of the Fujian’s propulsion and power generation systems have been successfully completed, which are essential for tactical maneuvers such as evading submarine attacks.
Photography credits to the respective sources
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