China Demonstrates Electromagnetic Catapult on Fujian Aircraft Carrier

China’s Historic Electromagnetic Catapult Demonstration Marks Naval Aviation Milestone

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has achieved a significant technological and operational breakthrough by successfully demonstrating electromagnetic catapult launches from its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, for the first time in September 2025. This landmark achievement represents the culmination of nearly a decade of indigenous development and testing, positioning China as only the second nation in the world to deploy electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) on operational warships. The demonstration involved three distinct aircraft types, the J-15T multirole fighter, the J-35 stealth fighter, and the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft, each successfully completing catapult-assisted takeoffs and arrested landings aboard the Type 003 carrier. This technological milestone not only validates China’s domestic electromagnetic catapult system but also signals the maturation of a comprehensive carrier-based aviation capability that could fundamentally alter naval power dynamics in the Western Pacific region.

The successful integration of these advanced systems aboard the Fujian demonstrates China’s transition from a regional naval force dependent on foreign technology to a blue-water navy capable of projecting power far beyond its immediate coastal waters. The event’s public release underscores China’s intent to showcase its growing military prowess and technological self-sufficiency, while signaling a new era in Asian maritime security competition.

Evolution of China’s Aircraft Carrier Program

China’s journey toward becoming a major aircraft carrier power began with humble origins rooted in necessity and strategic vision. The foundation of this program traces back to 1998 when China purchased the incomplete Soviet-era Kuznetsov-class carrier Admiral Kuznetsov from Ukraine for a reported $20 million under the pretense of converting it into a floating casino. This acquisition, which became the Liaoning, marked the beginning of China’s systematic effort to understand and master aircraft carrier technology through reverse engineering and indigenous development.

The transformation of the Liaoning from a rusting hulk into China’s first operational aircraft carrier required extensive refurbishment and modernization efforts that stretched over more than a decade. The vessel was commissioned into the People’s Liberation Army Navy in 2012, serving primarily as a training platform rather than a frontline combat asset. Despite its limitations, the Liaoning provided invaluable experience in carrier operations, deck procedures, and naval aviation integration that would prove essential for future developments.

Building upon the lessons learned from the Liaoning, China proceeded to develop its second carrier, the Shandong, which was commissioned in 2017 as an improved version of the Soviet design but built entirely in Chinese shipyards. The Shandong incorporated various technological improvements and represented China’s first indigenous carrier construction effort, though it retained the ski-jump launch configuration that limited its operational capabilities. Both the Liaoning and Shandong employ Short Take-Off Barrier-Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) systems, which utilize a curved ski-jump ramp at the bow to launch aircraft under their own power.

Limitations of Early Carrier Designs

The limitations inherent in the STOBAR system became apparent as China’s naval aviation ambitions expanded beyond regional operations. Aircraft launched from ski-jump carriers face significant weight restrictions, as they must generate sufficient lift under their own engine power to clear the ramp and become airborne. This constraint severely limits the fuel load and weapon payload that aircraft can carry, reducing their combat range and effectiveness. Additionally, the STOBAR system cannot accommodate larger, heavier aircraft such as dedicated airborne early warning platforms or aerial refueling tankers, which are essential components of modern carrier air wings.

Recognizing these limitations, Chinese naval planners began developing specifications for a third-generation carrier that would incorporate catapult-assisted take-off capabilities. The decision to pursue electromagnetic catapults rather than steam-powered systems represented a significant technological leap, as China chose to bypass decades of incremental development and directly adopt the most advanced launch technology available. This ambitious approach reflected China’s broader military modernization strategy of developing indigenous capabilities that could match or exceed those of potential adversaries.

Construction of the Fujian began in earnest around 2017 at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, with the project representing the largest and most complex naval construction effort undertaken by China to that point. The carrier’s design incorporated numerous innovations and improvements over its predecessors, including a substantially larger flight deck, increased displacement, and most importantly, three electromagnetic catapults capable of launching a diverse array of aircraft types. The vessel was launched on June 17, 2022, and began its initial sea trials in May 2024.

“China’s leap to electromagnetic catapult technology marks a decisive break from its earlier reliance on foreign carrier designs and signals its intent to compete at the highest technological levels of naval aviation.”

Technical Innovation and EMALS Development

The electromagnetic aircraft launch system represents one of the most sophisticated technologies ever deployed aboard naval vessels, requiring unprecedented integration of power generation, energy storage, and precision control systems. China’s development of this technology demonstrates remarkable technical achievement, particularly considering the complexity and challenges that have plagued even the most advanced naval powers. The Chinese EMALS system operates on principles similar to those employed by the United States Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, utilizing linear induction motors to accelerate aircraft along the flight deck through electromagnetic fields rather than steam pressure.

At the heart of any EMALS system lies the energy storage subsystem, which must accumulate and rapidly discharge enormous amounts of electrical power to achieve the acceleration profiles required for safe aircraft launches. The Chinese system reportedly employs rotational energy storage using flywheel assemblies, similar to the disk alternators used in the American EMALS design. During launch operations, these flywheels must deliver massive energy surges in seconds, a power challenge that far exceeds the continuous electrical generation capacity of the carrier’s main propulsion plant.

The precision control capabilities of electromagnetic catapults provide significant advantages over traditional steam-powered systems, particularly in their ability to tailor acceleration profiles to different aircraft types and weights. This flexibility enables the same catapult system to safely launch everything from lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles to heavy early warning aircraft, each requiring dramatically different launch parameters. The closed-loop control system continuously monitors aircraft position and velocity throughout the launch sequence, making real-time adjustments to ensure optimal performance and safety margins.

Innovative Approaches and Reliability Lessons

Recent innovations by Chinese researchers have pushed the boundaries of electromagnetic launch technology even further. Scientists at Beijing University of Technology have developed an advanced electromagnetic catapult system using technology similar to that found in electric vehicles, capable of accelerating a 30-tonne aircraft from zero to 70 meters per second in just 2.1 seconds. This performance represents nearly double the acceleration capability of traditional systems and demonstrates China’s commitment to advancing beyond simply replicating existing technologies.

The integration challenges associated with EMALS deployment cannot be understated, as demonstrated by the extended development and testing phases experienced by both Chinese and American programs. The U.S. Navy’s experience with EMALS aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford highlighted the complexity of successfully integrating these systems into operational carriers, with reliability issues persisting for several years after initial deployment. China appears to have learned from these experiences, conducting extensive land-based testing and gradual system integration over a multi-year period, beginning electromagnetic catapult testing in November 2023 while still pierside.

This methodical approach allowed Chinese engineers to identify and resolve potential issues in a controlled environment, reducing the risks associated with at-sea operations. The Fujian’s successful transition from dead-load tests to operational aircraft launches reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize reliability and operational readiness.

“The Chinese EMALS program benefited from observing U.S. challenges, opting for a phased, risk-mitigated rollout that may yield higher reliability in initial operational use.”

September 2025 Operational Demonstration

The release of official imagery and video footage in September 2025 marked the first time China had publicly demonstrated successful electromagnetic catapult launches of operational aircraft from the Fujian. These visuals, published through official Chinese military social media channels and the People’s Liberation Army’s 81.cn news portal, provided unprecedented insight into the operational capabilities of China’s most advanced aircraft carrier. The demonstration took place during the carrier’s ongoing sea trials in the South China Sea, following its transit through the Taiwan Strait earlier in the month.

The timing of this revelation proved particularly significant, coming less than three weeks after China’s major military parade in Beijing where all three aircraft types had participated in aerial demonstrations. State media reports indicated that the actual catapult launches had occurred prior to the parade, suggesting that Chinese naval aviation had achieved this milestone weeks before its public announcement. This delayed disclosure reflects China’s typical approach to military developments, often achieving operational capabilities before acknowledging them publicly.

The demonstrated aircraft operations encompassed the full spectrum of carrier aviation activities, including catapult launches, arrested landings, and deck handling procedures. Official reports emphasized that these operations verified the compatibility between China’s domestically developed electromagnetic catapults and arresting systems with multiple aircraft types. The successful integration of these systems represents a critical milestone in the Fujian’s path toward operational deployment and full combat capability.

Aircraft Integration and Capabilities

The successful demonstration involved three distinct aircraft types, each representing crucial components of a modern carrier air wing and showcasing the versatility of the Fujian’s electromagnetic launch system. The diversity of aircraft successfully operated from the carrier illustrates China’s comprehensive approach to developing indigenous naval aviation capabilities rather than relying on foreign technology or limited platform types.

The Shenyang J-15T represents an evolution of China’s primary carrier-based fighter, specifically modified for catapult operations aboard the Fujian. Unlike the original J-15 variants that operate from the ski-jump equipped Liaoning and Shandong carriers, the J-15T incorporates structural reinforcements and equipment necessary for electromagnetic catapult launches and arrested landings. This adaptation allows the aircraft to operate with significantly higher fuel and weapon loads compared to its ski-jump launched counterparts, substantially extending its combat range and effectiveness.

Perhaps most significantly, the demonstration marked the first operational deployment of the Chengdu J-35 stealth fighter from any aircraft carrier platform. The J-35 represents China’s direct response to the American F-35 Lightning II and incorporates fifth-generation stealth characteristics including low-observable design features, internal weapons bays, and advanced avionics systems. With a reported maximum speed of Mach 1.8, the J-35 actually exceeds the performance of the F-35 in terms of raw speed, though questions remain regarding the maturity and reliability of its indigenous engines and electronic systems.

The Xi’an KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft represents perhaps the most strategically significant component of the demonstration, as it addresses a critical capability gap that has long constrained Chinese carrier operations. The KJ-600 bears a striking resemblance to the American E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in both configuration and mission profile. This aircraft provides the carrier battle group with long-range detection capabilities for both aerial and surface threats, extending situational awareness far beyond the radar horizons of surface vessels.

Strategic, Regional, and Economic Implications

The successful demonstration of electromagnetic catapult capabilities aboard the Fujian carries profound implications for regional security dynamics and the broader balance of naval power in the Western Pacific. China’s achievement of this technological milestone effectively eliminates one of the key capability gaps that previously distinguished Chinese carriers from their American counterparts, marking a significant step toward naval parity in certain operational domains.

The deployment of a fully capable electromagnetic catapult system enables the Fujian to operate as a true fleet carrier rather than merely a training or prestige platform. The ability to launch heavy, long-range aircraft such as the KJ-600 early warning platform provides Chinese carrier battle groups with situational awareness capabilities that extend hundreds of kilometers beyond their immediate vicinity. This extended detection range is crucial for effective fleet defense and power projection operations, particularly in contested environments where enemy submarines, aircraft, and surface vessels pose significant threats.

From a regional perspective, the Fujian’s enhanced capabilities represent a substantial shift in the military balance across key maritime chokepoints and disputed territories. The South China Sea, where the carrier conducted its recent trials, has been a focal point of territorial disputes involving China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, and other regional powers. The Taiwan Strait, through which the Fujian transited during its recent sea trials, represents perhaps the most strategically sensitive area where these enhanced capabilities could prove decisive. The ability to position a modern carrier battle group in waters adjacent to Taiwan during any potential crisis would provide Chinese forces with persistent air cover and strike capabilities that would be difficult for defenders to counter.

Economic Context and Defense Investment

The successful development and deployment of electromagnetic catapult technology represents a substantial return on China’s extensive investments in military modernization over the past two decades. China’s defense budget has experienced consistent growth, with the 2025 allocation reaching $245 billion according to official figures, representing a 7.2 percent increase from the previous year. However, these official numbers likely understate actual military expenditures, with various analyses suggesting China’s real defense spending may range from $330 billion to as much as $700 billion annually when accounting for off-budget expenditures and dual-use technologies.

The scale of China’s defense investment becomes more apparent when compared to regional neighbors and potential adversaries. Chinese military spending exceeds that of Japan by a factor of five and South Korea by nearly seven times, providing Beijing with substantial resources for advanced technology development and acquisition. This spending advantage has enabled China to pursue ambitious projects like indigenous aircraft carrier development while simultaneously advancing capabilities in areas such as hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and space-based systems.

The electromagnetic catapult program specifically represents a convergence of civilian and military technological development that exemplifies China’s approach to dual-use innovation. The involvement of electric vehicle technology specialists in catapult development demonstrates how China leverages its civilian industrial base to support military objectives. This integration allows for more cost-effective development processes and accelerates the timeline for deploying advanced military systems compared to traditional defense-only procurement approaches.

“China’s willingness to invest heavily in carrier technology reflects strategic calculations about long-term security requirements and great power competition.”

Comparative Analysis and Future Outlook

The Chinese electromagnetic catapult system’s performance characteristics appear broadly comparable to the American EMALS technology deployed aboard USS Gerald R. Ford, though significant differences likely exist in system architecture, reliability, and operational maturity. Both systems employ linear induction motors and electromagnetic fields to accelerate aircraft along the flight deck, providing advantages over traditional steam catapults in terms of precision control and energy efficiency.

The American EMALS development program, conducted by General Atomics for the U.S. Navy, has experienced considerable challenges during its transition from laboratory testing to operational deployment. The system aboard USS Gerald R. Ford has struggled with reliability issues that persisted for several years after the carrier’s commissioning, leading to extended maintenance periods and reduced operational availability. These problems stemmed partly from the ambitious decision to integrate 23 new technologies simultaneously aboard the Ford-class carriers, a approach that Navy leadership later acknowledged as overly risky.

China appears to have benefited from observing these American experiences and adopted a more gradual integration approach for its EMALS development. The extended testing period for the Fujian, including land-based catapult trials and systematic at-sea validation, suggests Chinese engineers prioritized reliability and operational readiness over rapid deployment schedules. This methodical approach may enable China to avoid some of the teething problems that plagued early American EMALS operations.

Future Naval Aviation Development

The successful demonstration of electromagnetic catapult capabilities aboard the Fujian establishes the foundation for China’s next generation of naval aviation development, with implications extending far beyond current aircraft types and operational concepts. The proven ability to operate diverse aircraft from electromagnetic catapults opens possibilities for deploying larger, more specialized platforms that would be impossible with ski-jump launch systems.

Chinese military planners are likely already developing concepts for unmanned combat aerial vehicles specifically designed for carrier operations, taking advantage of EMALS capabilities to deploy larger, longer-range autonomous platforms. The precision control characteristics of electromagnetic catapults make them particularly well-suited for launching unmanned systems that may have different structural tolerances and operational requirements compared to manned aircraft. Future Chinese carrier air wings may incorporate a mix of manned fighters, unmanned strike platforms, and autonomous surveillance systems that would provide unprecedented operational flexibility.

The development of additional aircraft types specifically optimized for electromagnetic launch represents another area of likely expansion. China has demonstrated interest in developing carrier-based variants of its transport and tanker aircraft, capabilities that would extend the operational range and sustainability of carrier air wings during extended deployments. Plans for China’s fourth aircraft carrier, designated Type 004, reportedly include nuclear propulsion and displacement exceeding 100,000 tons, which would place it in the same category as American supercarriers. Such a vessel would likely incorporate improved electromagnetic catapult systems based on lessons learned from Fujian operations.

Conclusion

China’s successful demonstration of electromagnetic catapult launches from the Fujian aircraft carrier represents a watershed moment in naval aviation history and regional security dynamics. This achievement validates years of intensive research, development, and testing while establishing China as only the second nation capable of deploying electromagnetic aircraft launch systems aboard operational carriers. The technological milestone demonstrates China’s transition from a military force dependent on foreign technology and platforms to an increasingly indigenous capability that rivals the most advanced systems deployed by established naval powers.

The strategic implications of this achievement extend far beyond the immediate technical accomplishment to encompass fundamental shifts in regional power balances and alliance relationships throughout the Western Pacific. The Fujian’s demonstrated ability to operate diverse aircraft types using electromagnetic catapults provides Chinese naval forces with power projection capabilities previously unavailable, enabling sustained operations at extended ranges with significant combat effectiveness. Looking forward, the successful operation of electromagnetic catapults aboard the Fujian establishes the foundation for even more advanced Chinese naval aviation capabilities, including larger aircraft carriers, more sophisticated aircraft types, and potentially autonomous systems specifically designed for carrier operations.

FAQ

Q: What is an electromagnetic catapult, and why is it significant?
A: An electromagnetic catapult (EMALS) uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate aircraft for takeoff from aircraft carriers. It provides greater launch control, supports heavier and diverse aircraft, and is more efficient than traditional steam catapults.

Q: How does the Fujian compare to U.S. aircraft carriers?
A: The Fujian is the first Chinese carrier with electromagnetic catapults, similar to the U.S. Gerald R. Ford-class. While comparable in launch technology, differences remain in operational maturity and support infrastructure.

Q: What types of aircraft were launched during the demonstration?
A: The demonstration included the J-15T multirole fighter, the J-35 stealth fighter, and the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft, highlighting the system’s versatility.

Q: What are the strategic implications of this development?
A: The successful integration of EMALS enhances China’s regional power projection, narrows the technological gap with the U.S. Navy, and may shift the security calculus in the Western Pacific.

Sources:
Bloomberg