China’s Fujian carrier completes first training exercise after entering service

China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has returned to port following a training mission with its strike group, according to a state media report on Tuesday amid rising tensions with Japan.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that the mission marked the “first maritime live-force training” for the world’s biggest conventionally powered warship since it was commissioned to the PLA Navy on November 5.

The Fujian, China’s first domestically designed carrier and its third overall, has a displacement of more than 80,000 tonnes and is equipped with an advanced electromagnetic catapult launch system and arresting gear.

During the training, the Fujian practised multiple catapult launches and arrested landings with its ship-based aircraft, including the stealth fighter J-35, naval fighter J-15T, electronic warfare aircraft J-15DT, and early warning and control aircraft KJ-600.

The exercise was “a regular operational activity carried out in accordance with the annual plan”, CCTV reported. It added that the aim was “to assess training outcomes and strengthen the armed forces’ ability to protect China’s sovereignty, security, and developmental interests”.

Satellite images circulating on social media this week showed the Fujian operating in the South China Sea, with another PLA Navy carrier the Shandong also visible nearby.

  

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