China validates EMALS launches of J-35, J-15T and KJ-600 from carrier Fujian

China's People’s Liberation Army Navy has completed flight trials aboard its first catapult-equipped carrier, Fujian, conducting electromagnetic catapult launches and recoveries of the Shenyang J-15T, carrier-capable J-35 stealth fighter and Xi'an KJ-600 AEW. The tests validate fixed-wing EMALS operations as the carrier prepares for service.

Discovered 2025-09-22T05:12:26.428254-07:00 | 2025-09-22T05:12:26.428254-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The Fujian trials demonstrate operational electromagnetic catapult launch and recovery of fixed‑wing naval aircraft — J‑15T, J‑35 and KJ‑600 — validating the carrier's EMALS capability as it nears commissioning. See Fujian's recent transit and sea trials for context.
  • Public footage and PLAN confirmation follow earlier reporting that the J‑35B has entered low‑rate serial production, indicating potential near‑term force generation of carrier‑capable stealth fighters. Related coverage on the J‑35's production is here: J‑35B enters serial production.
  • Operationalising Fujian and its air wing alters regional naval balance and sea‑denial calculations alongside recent developments in regional anti‑ship capabilities; see reporting on Taiwan's accelerated long‑range anti‑ship missile testing for regional context: Taiwan accelerates testing after Hsiung Feng III images.

Reported By

South China Morning Post news.ssbcrack.com overtdefense.com nationalsecurityjournal.org Economic Times nextgendefense.com
Sources Tracked
46
First Seen
2025-09-22T05:12:26.428254-07:00
Latest Update
2025-09-25T21:42:28.169189-07:00
Coverage
Defense

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