The Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier is a game-changing technological leap for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), representing China's first domestically designed and built supercarrier. Launched in 2022, the Fujian (CV-18) is the first carrier outside of the U.S. Navy to feature an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), replacing the less-capable ski-jump ramp of its predecessors. This cutting-edge CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system allows it to launch heavier aircraft with full combat loads, including the new J-35 stealth fighter and the KJ-600 Airborne Early Warning aircraft. Following extensive sea trials throughout 2024 and 2025 which included successfully catapulting all three types of fixed-wing aircraft, the 80,000-ton Fujian is anticipated to be commissioned soon, with its future operational deployment expected to dramatically enhance China's ability to project power across the Western Pacific and into the Indian Ocean, fundamentally changing the regional naval balance.

Learn more about the Fujian and 54 other vessels in service with the China's People's Liberation Army in our China's People's Liberation Army Edition of Ship Recognition Playing Cards deck!