Video | Formation Coordination and Full Deck Launch: The Next Training Focus of the Fujian Ship is Here

November 5 this year marks the one-year anniversary of the commissioning of China's first electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier, the Fujian. A year ago, the Fujian was officially commissioned, and the People's Navy entered the "three aircraft carrier era." What work has been done on the Fujian in its first year? What key exercises were conducted while passing through the Taiwan Strait? What are the next training priorities? Let's find out.

What has the Fujian been busy with this year?

Military observer Wei Dongxu introduced that this year the Fujian will conduct more at-sea tests. Its power and propulsion systems have undergone comprehensive testing, and further inspections will be conducted on all subsystems of the platform. The aircraft carrier Fujian has now reached an optimized state. The next step is to enhance its performance and combat capabilities to a better and optimal level. In the future, whether in formation training or joint exercises with aircraft, the content will become richer and will also focus on the generation and strengthening of new combat capabilities, continuously improving its training methods and tactics.

Conventional powered electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier, is the power sufficient?

Wei Dongxu stated that the power is definitely sufficient. China's shipbuilding system has a wealth of experience in the research and application of integrated power systems for aircraft carriers, and the technology has reached an internationally leading level.

Currently, the Fujian's power generation and supply systems can meet the requirements for combat readiness in two aspects:

The ship's power supply system is very stable. Some subsystems have high demands for power stability. The carrier Fujian has multiple radars on its island, which are significant power consumers, and their functionality must be very stable.

The electromagnetic catapult operates efficiently and at high speed. The energy consumed by the electromagnetic catapult in an instant is very large. Under the premise of meeting the power supply for the entire ship, it can keep the electromagnetic catapult in optimal working condition.

Therefore, whether it is the stable and reliable power supply for the entire ship or the power supply for the frequent use of the electromagnetic catapult, the Fujian has delivered a perfect score.

What key exercises does the Fujian conduct while passing through the Taiwan Strait?

Every time the Fujian passes through the Taiwan Strait, it draws special attention from all sides. What key exercises does the Fujian focus on while taking this route?

Wei Dongxu stated that passing through is also a form of training, even conducted according to the requirements and standards of actual combat. Regardless of when or from which direction aerial observers or provocateurs come, the Fujian carrier group can utilize its own early warning system to accurately identify such aerial intruders and respond quickly. The process of passing through the Taiwan Strait is also a "experience-gaining" process for the Fujian and its group.

What are the next training priorities for the Fujian?

Wei Dongxu: I believe that training in formation is very important. The Fujian will not operate alone in future missions; it needs to form a stronger and more complete maritime winning system. Advanced destroyers, frigates, and submarines will conduct more frequent and complex joint training with the Fujian.

In the future, joint exercises between ships and aircraft will also be very important. The Fujian must possess stronger systematic integrated combat capabilities. The quantity and quality of joint exercises will improve and progress. In the future, we may see full-deck launches, whether it is to control air superiority, control maritime power, or conduct long-range strikes, the combat capability of the Fujian will definitely reach the highest standards and optimal state.