Three types of aircraft complete electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoffs, landings on China's carrier Fujian

The Chinese Navy announced on Monday that carrier-based aircraft J-15T, J-35, and KongJing-600 successfully completed their inaugural electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training on the aircraft carrier Fujian.

The success showed that China's first domestically built, catapult-equipped aircraft carrier has achieved electromagnetic launch and recovery capabilities, marking another breakthrough in the development of China's aircraft carriers.

J-15T, J-35, and KongJing-600 were displayed during China's massive military parade on September 3, celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The training verified the sound compatibility of China's fully domestically developed electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems with multiple aircraft types, according to the navy.

This demonstrated that the Fujian has obtained initial full-deck operational capability, paving the way for multiple types of carrier-based aircraft to join the carrier formation, the navy said.

In recent years, the Chinese Navy's carrier-based aviation has accelerated its development, advancing from single aircraft to integrated systems, from shore-based to shipborne operations, from ski-jump to catapult launches, and from being able to fly to being capable of combat operations. The Navy is steadily advancing toward the goal of becoming a world-class force at sea.

Since its first sea trials in May 2024, the Fujian has carried out a series of maritime tests according to plan, progressing with equipment commissioning and assessments of overall operational stability.