Three cutting-edge warplanes—the J-15T fighter, stealthy J-35, and KongJing-600 early warning aircraft—just nailed their first electromagnetic catapult launches on China's Fujian carrier, the navy announced Monday. This tech milestone 🎯 signals a major leap in Beijing's naval capabilities as it modernizes its fleet.
Why This Matters
The successful tests prove China's homegrown electromagnetic systems can launch multiple aircraft types, moving beyond older ski-jump designs. Think of it like upgrading from a flip phone to the latest smartphone 📱—this tech allows faster, heavier takeoffs critical for combat readiness.
From Parade to Flight Deck
These jets first wowed crowds during September's military parade commemorating WWII victories. Now they're proving their chops at sea 🌊. The Fujian, China's first fully domestically built carrier with catapults, has been undergoing trials since May 2024 to test systems and operational stability.
Naval Power Play
Analysts say this development accelerates China's shift from 'can fly' to 'can fight' 💥. With integrated systems and catapult launches, carrier groups could soon deploy diverse aircraft for extended missions—a key step toward building a world-class navy.
