PUBLISHED on August 7, 2025, 06:34 PM EDT – Key Points and Summary – A new Chinese state media documentary has aired the first-ever footage of aircraft performing catapult-assisted takeoffs from the new Fujian (Type 003) aircraft carrier.
-The video confirms the successful testing of its advanced electromagnetic catapults and signals the carrier is in its final phase before entering operational service, which is expected in the coming weeks.
-The documentary also provided rare official specifications, confirming the 80,000-ton supercarrier is conventionally powered and can accommodate over 50 aircraft.
-The Fujian represents a massive leap forward in China’s naval power projection capabilities.
Chinese TV Airs Footage Of New Catapult-Assisted Takeoffs On Fujian Aircraft Carrier
A new documentary series by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, authorized by the Central Military Commission, offered viewers a look at catapult-assisted takeoff technology in action on China’s new Fujian aircraft carrier.
The recently-aired documentary series confirms that Fujian is in its final phase of testing before entering operational service, after concluding multiple rounds of sea trials.
The footage coincides with reports that the carrier will be commissioned in the coming weeks, shortly after the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. On September 3, the China Victory Day Parade will also celebrate the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.
The new footage clearly depicts, for the first time, aircraft performing catapult-assisted takeoffs from China’s newest aircraft carrier. The scenes are accompanied by reactions and commentary from crew members and engineers who worked on the project, describing how the technology was developed and the purpose it will serve.
In the film, Commander Tian Wei described how engineers and military personnel have worked to ensure a seamless transition from ski-jump takeoffs to catapult launches, with the goal of bringing the new system into combat operations as soon as possible.
And after multiple sea trials conducted over more than one year, the Fujian is not only ready for deployment, but has provided a valuable learning experience for engineers rushing to roll out China’s next big supercarrier – the Type 004.
Now We Know More About the Fujian
China’s Fujian, designated Type 003, is the country’s first domestically designed flattop aircraft carrier and by far the most advanced ever announced, or built, by China to date.
According to official footage aired in CCTV’s recent documentary series, the Fujiani measures 316 meters in length with a beam of 76 meters and a full-load displacement of between 80,000 and 85,000 tons – placing it in the same weight class as the former USS Kitty Hawk-class supercarriers.
The vessel features three electromagnetic catapults and an angled flight deck for arrested recoveries. Internally, the ship is also equipped with a large hangar designed to accommodate more than 50 aircraft, including at least 40 fixed-wing platforms and 12 helicopters.
While Beijing has yet to officially confirm all design specifications, the new documentary footage – along with commentary and analysis from military engineers involved in recent trials – provide rare insight into one of China’s most ambitious military projects.
The broadcast also confirmed that the Fujian is powered by steam turbines fed by diesel generators – dispelling speculation that China may be preparing to field a nuclear-powered carrier before the upcoming 004 class supercarrier.
About the Author:
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.
More Military
America Almost Had to Invade Japan
