China's new aircraft carrier 'Fucien' completes successful voyage

China's third aircraft carrier “Fucien” has successfully completed its first test voyage. 

The ship, which set off on May 1, returned to the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai after an 8-day voyage. During the voyage, the ship's propulsion, electrical systems and other equipment were tested and the results met expectations.

Further trial voyages are planned for the near future.

Named after the southern provinces of China and launched on June 17, 2022, the Fucien is an 80,000-ton warship classified as “Type 003.”

It is equipped with an advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) for the deployment of aircraft. Notably, it is the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier in China.

The Chinese navy currently operates two aircraft carriers: Liaoning and Shandong. Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, entered service in 2012 and was built from the hull of the Varyag, purchased from Ukraine in 1998.

The Shandong, commissioned in 2017, copied the Liaoning's design but is domestically built in China.

Looking ahead, China aims to expand its fleet to 6 aircraft carriers by 2035, consolidating its position as the world's largest navy in terms of the number of ships.

Source: AA