Military Situation Time: What Enhancements in Long-Distance Combat Capabilities Come with the Era of Three Aircraft Carriers?

In April 2023, the Shandong aircraft carrier made its first deployment to the Western Pacific, marking the official entry of China's domestically produced aircraft carriers into long-range training operations. This year, our third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is also expected to commence long-range training.

Military Observer Wei Dongxu: To achieve long-range operational capabilities, we must first be able to "go out," and secondly, we need to have strong control. The People's Navy's aircraft carrier combat system has always been in a state of development; it cannot only perform coastal and near-shore defense missions, but must "go out." When an aircraft carrier strike group heads into the open sea, it signifies that the entire maritime combat system can break free from the constraints of island chains and have a larger strategic operational space. On one hand, it can break the opponent's maritime and aerial blockade, and on the other hand, it can mobilize more forces towards victory.

This year is a key year for the combat capability generation of the Fujian.

The Fujian is China's first aircraft carrier designed and built entirely independently, featuring electromagnetic catapult technology. On May 8, 2024, the Fujian successfully completed its first sea trial mission lasting 8 days, during which it conducted a series of tests on systems such as propulsion and power, achieving the expected results.

On November 5, 2025, the Fujian was officially commissioned. As the world's first aircraft carrier to use conventional power and electromagnetic catapult technology, the technological breakthroughs of the Fujian mark China's entry into the ranks of leading aircraft carriers globally. The People's Navy has entered the era of three aircraft carriers.

After commissioning, the Fujian immediately began its first live training mission at sea. During this mission, various types of carrier-based aircraft, including the J-35, J-15T, J-15DT, and KJ-600, completed multiple rounds of catapult launches and landing training. During the mission, the Fujian carrier strike group also conducted training on formation sailing, joint search and rescue operations, and other subjects.

In addition, after commissioning, the Fujian has crossed the Taiwan Strait multiple times and conducted cross-sea research experiments and training missions in the East China Sea and South China Sea. It is reported that in 2026, the Fujian will transition from basic combat capability to fully formed combat capability, marking another key year for the generation of its combat power.

From cross-sea training to advancing into the deep blue, every step of the Fujian's trajectory is being implemented in an orderly manner according to the Navy's plans. After achieving full combat capability in 2026, the Fujian will become a "strategic iron fist" for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as maintaining regional peace and stability, serving as a maritime backbone.