Recently, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) sources confirmed that the Fujian aircraft carrier of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) returned to port after successfully completing its latest sea trials. However, between its fifth and sixth deployments at sea, internet users identified what appear to be markings on the flight deck, suggesting the possible execution of touch-and-go maneuvers by aircraft. This could indicate the start of the initial stage of landing and takeoff tests on the vessel.
Since its launch in 2022, the Fujian (CVN-18) has been conducting sustained sea trials and system tests as part of the roadmap for its delivery and commissioning with the Chinese Navy. Since its first voyage in May, the 80,000-ton aircraft carrier has been a subject of analysis for several reasons. Its construction marks not only a new milestone for the Asian Giant’s shipbuilding industry but also represents China’s first vessel equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. This technology, similar to the U.S. Navy’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), signifies a major advancement, as it enables the deployment of aircraft with a greater payload compared to the STOBAR configuration present on the Liaoning and Shandong carriers, which are based on the Kuznetsov-class design.
In this regard, as the months passed with the execution of various sea trials, the Fujian featured full-scale models of J-35 fighter jets and a KJ-600 carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft on its flight deck. These are expected to be the aircraft that will comprise its embarked air wing. However, following the conclusion of its sixth sea trial, the CVN-18 revealed a particular detail that reinforced the presumption of a new type of test conducted at sea.
Although no actual aircraft were observed aboard the carrier during this latest outing—aside from the aforementioned full-scale models—the highlight of its return was the visual evidence of braking marks on its flight deck. These marks, never seen before, bear a resemblance to touch-and-go maneuvers that may have been performed during its trial. Since the days following the fifth and sixth sea trials, numerous speculations have emerged, ranging from trial-and-error testing to the possibility of the first takeoff of a real aircraft or approach marks left by aircraft, giving rise to various hypotheses. Meanwhile, neither the Ministry of Defense, the Navy, nor state-affiliated media outlets have issued any official statement regarding the conclusion of this latest sea trial of the aircraft carrier.
What is clear is that China’s Navy is making significant strides in its naval industry to bring its next aircraft carrier into service in the Asia region alongside the Liaoning (CVN-16) and Shandong (CVN-17). Although there is no official confirmation, analysts suggest this could occur in the latter half of this year or early 2026.
*Images used for illustrative purposes. Credits to respective owners.
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