FUJIAN (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, has successfully completed its eight-day maiden sea trials.

Fujian

• About: The Fujian, a Type 003 class vessel, marks a significant leap forward for China's naval capabilities, boasting 80,000 tonnes.
• Technological Advancements: Equipped with electromagnetic catapults, the Fujian enables more frequent sorties, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Expansion Plans: China aims to bolster its naval strength by expanding its blue-water fleet to six aircraft carriers by 2035, positioning itself as a formidable maritime power.
• Size: With a displacement of nearly 80,000 metric tons.
• Design: The Fujian represents China's first CATOBAR aircraft carrier, featuring a fully indigenous design and three electromagnetic catapults, diverging from the ski-jump flight decks of previous carriers.
• EMALS Implementation: Fujian will utilize the upgraded Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), similar to the technology employed by the US Navy on its advanced super carriers.
• China’s First aircraft carrier: Liaoning was commissioned in 2012 and the 
• Second aircraft carrier: Shadong was launched in 2017.