The launch, which was expected a fortnight ago, has now taken place (Marineforum online reported). China floated its third and most modern aircraft carrier in the dry dock of the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai on Friday. The ship was christened "Fujian", a southeastern coastal province, hull number 18. The ceremony was broadcast by the state television station, Chinese online media show photos, e.g. the Chinese state television CCTV:
South China Morning Post:
or also as Video - but with a Spanish audio track:
Graphic interpretation of the Chinese carrier 003 from 2021. graphic: sinodefenseforum.com
Details unclear
Technical details are still shrouded in secrecy. Western military analysts attribute a displacement of around 100,000 tonnes to the "Fujian". The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates its length at around 318 metres. It seems certain that the newbuilding will be equipped with electromagnetic catapults. To date, only the US Navy has used electromagnetic catapults, EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System). Catapult launches enable the use of the KJ-600 reconnaissance and early warning aircraft, the Chinese version of the E-2D Hawkeye. The FC-31 will presumably also be deployed. The stealth aircraft, which is similar to the American F-35, can be used as a fighter and fighter-bomber. Western analysts estimate that the "Fujian" will be able to carry between 48 and 60 aircraft.
"Liaoning", China's Kuznetsov conversion of Russian-Ukrainian origin. Photo: PLA-N
The "Fujian" is also expected to have an integrated or even fully electric propulsion system (IEP/FEP). Experts do not expect a nuclear propulsion system until the Type 004.
Precursor
"Shandong", China's second aircraft carrier to be equipped in 2018. Photo: chinadefenseforum
Once operational, "Fujian" will be the third aircraft carrier of the People's Republic, hence the designation Type 003. It is the second carrier built in the country after "Shandong" (hull number 17). The "Liaoning" (hull number 16) is the Ukrainian-built "Varyag", a Kuznetsov-class carrier built for the Soviet Navy.
USS Gerald R. Ford during first approaches at sea in 2017. photo: U.S. Navy
For comparison
Chinese commentators describe Type 003 "Fujian" as the answer to the US Navy's newer aircraft carriers such as the USS "Gerald R. Ford". By way of comparison, a Ford-class aircraft carrier has a total of around 74 aircraft on board, including 44 F/A-18E/F and F-35C fighter aircraft - with a comparable length of 333 metres and a displacement of 100,000 tonnes.
Why and where to
With the "Fujian", Beijing wants to demonstrate its continued progress with regard to its intended global maritime supremacy. Although it will be some time before it reaches operational capability, with earlier Pentagon analyses predicting 2024, Type 003 also represents China's growing military might. Whether the PLA-N with its aircraft carriers will achieve a similar 'power projection' capability as the US Navy with its carrier groups rotating around the globe implies more than ambition and imagination. They are certainly useful as a means of asserting political will or impressing potential partners.
++++
English 
German
I doubt that this carrier will be operational as early as 2024. PLAN is breaking new ground here with a flat deck carrier and a new catapult system. Being able to build quickly is one thing, but becoming operational quickly is quite another.