Could this be the big moment for Fujian, launching the first fighter from EMALS? I would expect a J-15T would be launched first, as the airframe is the most mature in terms of carrier operations. The brand new J-35 and then the KJ-600 would follow later on during subsequent cruises. My opinion anyway.
CV-18 Fujian/003 CATOBAR carrier thread
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
All modules installed and verified for use in this year. By American standard that is ready for commision. These rest time til commision are just glorified training sessions China usually do, and commision much later.
Training and operational testing will go on long after the carrier was commissioned, thats inherent in inducting warships anywhere in the world. In fact the commissioning is primarily a political event. Shandong spent years working up to the training routine she performs now for the same reason. Once a ship is getting handed over, the shipyard ceases to have certain legal responsibilities, but even that is a flexible dynamic and handing over doesnt mean a ship needs to get commissioned straight away either. IOC and FOC milestones exist for the same rationales.
Fujian CV is back at her initial mooring location at Jiangnan. Photographed by Sentinel-2 satellite today (18 February 2025).
