China's latest aircraft carrier enters service to extend reach into high seas

"China's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier officially entered service this week, signalling a new era in Chinese military expansion after a ceremony overseen by the country's leader, Xi Jinping, state media has confirmed. The Fujian is China's first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier, and the third for China's rapidly expanding navy, which is already the world's biggest by ship count."

"It can also launch a wider range of aircraft than the steam system used on most US carriers. The vessel is one of the most high profile signs of Xi's long-running efforts to overhaul and modernise the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and it joins the older Soviet designed and built Liaoning, and the Soviet-designed but Chinese-built Shandong, in active service."

"Compared to the ski-jump system of the Liaoning and Shandong, the Fujian's electromagnetic launch also gives China the ability to deploy heavier aircraft, with full fuel loads, such as the KJ-600 early warning and control plane, which it successfully tested during its sea trials. State media also touted the craft's ability to launch fighter jet sorties at faster rates. China's navy said it launched the latest J-35 stealth fighter and J-15T heavy fighter from the Fujian, giving the new carrier full-deck operation capability."

The Fujian, China’s first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier, officially entered service and becomes the third active carrier in the Chinese fleet alongside Liaoning and Shandong. The Fujian uses an electromagnetic launch system that reduces stress on aircraft and ship structures, provides more precise speed control, and can launch a wider and heavier range of aircraft with full fuel loads, including the KJ-600 early warning plane. China's navy reported successful launches of the J-35 stealth fighter and J-15T heavy fighter from the Fujian. China now has the second most carriers globally but remains behind the US fleet; analysts note configuration differences with newer US carriers.

Read at www.theguardian.com