The aircraft carrier Fujian (CV-18) of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has set its course to begin its fifth sea trial, which will take place in the coming weeks in an unknown area. The information and images were shared thanks to open-source intelligence (OSINT) enthusiasts.
In recent hours, a series of images emerged which, according to internet users, show the 80,000-ton third aircraft carrier of the Chinese Navy departing from a port near the city of Shanghai, confirming its departure from the Jiangnan shipyard.
On this occasion, several scale models of a J-35 fighter and a carrier-based KJ-600 early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft were identified on the flight deck, which suggests the units that will form part of the future Carrier Air Wing. Additionally, considering the latest trials, certain internet users believe that this time the Fujian will carry out takeoff and landing tests in the coming days.
Unlike the Liaoning (CV-16) and the Shandong (CV-17), the predecessor aircraft carriers that feature a STOBAR configuration assisted by a Sky-Jump ramp, the Fujian is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system for aircraft launches and recovery, adopting a CATOBAR configuration. This capability will allow the Fujian to feature in the future a powerful Carrier Air Wing composed of the new version of the J-15T carrier-based fighter, as well as the observed J-35 and KJ-600.
At the end of September, the aircraft carrier completed its fourth sea trial. On that occasion, models of some of the aircraft that will form part of the future Carrier Air Wing were already observed. Additionally, it was speculated that operations with these units were practiced on the flight deck and in the ship’s internal hangars.
It is worth noting that during that sea trial, videos and images of cargo launch tests with the Fujian’s electromagnetic catapults emerged for the first time. These tests were reportedly conducted in port during the past year.
It is still unclear how many sea trials or tests remain for the CV-18, but what is certain is that the Fujian is getting closer to entering service, an event scheduled for late 2025 or 2026. With this, the Chinese Navy will have a total of three aircraft carriers to operate alternately in the Pacific and Asian regions.
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