In a groundbreaking development for China’s naval aviation, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has successfully conducted the first electromagnetic catapult launch of its advanced J-35 stealth fighter from the Fujian aircraft carrier. This historic event, which took place in late September 2025, marks a significant leap forward in China’s military modernization efforts and underscores its growing ambition to project power on a global scale. The Fujian, China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, has now demonstrated its cutting-edge electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), a technology previously mastered only by the United States with its Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.
The Fujian: A New Era for China’s Naval Power
Commissioned in 2022, the Fujian is China’s first fully domestically designed and built aircraft carrier. Unlike its predecessors, the Liaoning and Shandong, which relied on ski-jump ramps for aircraft launches, the Fujian incorporates an advanced electromagnetic catapult system. This state-of-the-art technology allows for more efficient and flexible aircraft operations, enabling the carrier to launch a wider range of aircraft, including heavier and more advanced fighters like the J-35. The successful integration of EMALS on the Fujian places China among an elite group of nations with the capability to deploy such sophisticated naval systems.
The Fujian, with a displacement of approximately 80,000 tons, is significantly larger than its predecessors, offering enhanced capabilities for sustained operations at sea. Its design includes a flat-top deck optimized for fixed-wing aircraft, advanced radar systems, and a robust air defense suite, making it a formidable platform in modern naval warfare. The carrier’s ability to launch the J-35 stealth fighter via EMALS is a testament to China’s rapid advancements in naval engineering and its commitment to closing the technological gap with Western naval powers.
The J-35 Stealth Fighter: China’s Answer to Fifth-Generation Fighters
The J-35, a carrier-based variant of China’s stealth fighter family, is designed to compete with the likes of the U.S. F-35 Lightning II and other advanced fifth-generation fighters. Featuring a sleek, low-observable design, the J-35 incorporates advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Its ability to operate from the Fujian enhances China’s carrier strike group capabilities, allowing for greater power projection in contested regions such as the South China Sea and beyond.
The J-35 is equipped with domestically developed engines, advanced radar-absorbing materials, and a suite of precision-guided munitions, making it a versatile platform for both air superiority and strike missions. The successful electromagnetic launch of the J-35 from the Fujian demonstrates not only the fighter’s compatibility with the carrier’s advanced systems but also China’s ability to integrate complex technologies into its naval operations. This milestone is a significant step toward achieving a fully operational carrier-based stealth fighter force, a capability that will bolster China’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Electromagnetic Catapult Technology: A Game-Changer for Naval Aviation
The electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) represents a major technological advancement over traditional steam catapults. By using electromagnetic energy to propel aircraft, EMALS offers greater efficiency, reduced maintenance requirements, and the ability to launch a wider range of aircraft weights and types. This flexibility is critical for modern naval operations, where carriers must support diverse missions, from launching lightweight drones to heavy strike fighters.
China’s development of EMALS technology for the Fujian has been a closely watched endeavor, as it signals the country’s ability to overcome significant engineering challenges. The successful launch of the J-35 using EMALS indicates that China has mastered the intricacies of this technology, a feat that required years of research, development, and testing. This achievement not only enhances the Fujian’s operational capabilities but also positions China as a leader in next-generation naval aviation technology.
Strategic Implications of the Fujian’s Milestone
The successful electromagnetic launch of the J-35 from the Fujian has far-reaching implications for China’s military strategy and global naval dynamics. As China continues to expand its naval presence, the Fujian and its advanced air wing will play a central role in asserting dominance in strategic maritime regions. The South China Sea, where China has ongoing territorial disputes with neighboring countries, is likely to be a primary focus for the Fujian’s operations. The carrier’s ability to deploy stealth fighters like the J-35 enhances China’s ability to conduct long-range strike missions, maintain air superiority, and deter potential adversaries.
Moreover, the Fujian’s advanced capabilities signal China’s intent to project power beyond its immediate region. With the ability to operate in distant waters, the PLAN is positioning itself as a blue-water navy capable of challenging the dominance of established naval powers like the United States. The integration of EMALS and the J-35 into the Fujian’s operations also suggests that China is preparing for a future where carrier-based aviation plays a critical role in its defense strategy.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the successful launch of the J-35 from the Fujian is a significant achievement, China still faces challenges in fully realizing its naval ambitions. Developing a carrier strike group capable of sustained operations requires not only advanced technology but also highly trained personnel, robust logistics, and a network of overseas bases. The PLAN is still in the process of building these capabilities, and the Fujian’s operational deployment will likely serve as a testbed for refining these elements.
Looking ahead, China is expected to continue investing heavily in its naval aviation program. The development of additional Fujian-class carriers and the expansion of the J-35 fleet will further enhance China’s ability to project power. Additionally, ongoing advancements in areas such as unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic weapons could further augment the Fujian’s capabilities, making it a versatile and formidable platform in future conflicts.
Conclusion
The first electromagnetic launch of the J-35 stealth fighter from the Fujian aircraft carrier is a historic milestone for China’s naval aviation program. This achievement underscores China’s rapid progress in developing advanced military technologies and its ambition to become a global naval power. As the Fujian and its air wing continue to evolve, they will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. For now, the successful integration of EMALS and the J-35 marks a new chapter in China’s quest for maritime dominance, signaling to the world that the PLAN is a force to be reckoned with.
