The latest imagery released by Chinese state media, marking thirteen years of development for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) carrier-based aviation force, signals a definitive shift in Beijing’s maritime strategy. What began as a fledgling experiment with the refurbished Liaoning has rapidly evolved into a sophisticated force capable of projecting power far from Chinese shores. The recent flight tests of the stealthy J-35 and the catapult-launched J-15DT emphasize that China has entered the elite club of nations possessing advanced naval aviation technology.
Central to this narrative is the Fujian, China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier. Unlike its predecessors, which utilized Soviet-style ski-jumps, the Fujian features an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). This technology, currently shared only by the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, allows the PLAN to launch heavier aircraft with more fuel and larger ordnance payloads. This capability significantly increases the fleet's combat radius and tactical versatility in contested environments.
The introduction of the J-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, represents a watershed moment for the PLAN’s air wing. By successfully integrating stealth capabilities onto a carrier deck, China aims to close the qualitative gap with the U.S. Navy’s F-35C. This development suggests that the PLAN is no longer content with regional defense but is preparing for high-intensity conflicts where air superiority and low-observable characteristics are paramount.
Beyond the hardware, the dual-carrier operations of the Liaoning and Shandong demonstrate an increasing level of operational maturity within the Chinese fleet. Managing two carrier strike groups simultaneously requires immense logistical coordination and command-and-control proficiency. These exercises indicate that the PLAN is transitioning from learning the basics of carrier operations to mastering complex, multi-platform maneuvers that could challenge traditional naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific.