China showcases carrier air wing capabilities aboard Fujian

Fujian , seen here in an image captured by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as it sailed towards the Taiwan Strait in September 2025. (Japan Ministry of Defense)

China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has for the first time released images and video footage that demonstrate its ability to launch and recover fixed-wing aircraft from its first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, Fujian.

Videos and images released via state-controlled news outlets on 22 September indicate that the Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter, Shenyang J-15T carrier-based fighter, and Xi'an KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft have all conducted flight operations from the vessel.

It marks the first time that all three aircraft types have been seen operating from Fujian, which has been undergoing sea trials since May 2024.

More notably, the milestone makes China the first country known to have launched a fifth-generation stealth fighter from an aircraft carrier using an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).

The J-15T is an improved variant of the J-15 and is equipped with reinforced landing gear suited for catapult-assisted take-off but assisted recovery (CATOBAR) operations.

Footage released of the J-15T thus far prior to the carrier-based flight operations also suggest that at least one airframe from this variant has been equipped with the new domestically developed WS-10-series turbofan engine.

The J-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that heavily incorporates low radar cross-section features in its overall form factor. It has not been previously observed in carrier trials.

Meanwhile, the KJ-600 is similar in role and design to the US Navy's (USN's) E-2 Hawkeye and is restricted to catapult launches due to its size and weight.

Videos and images released indicate that at least three KJ-600 aircraft took part in the launch and recovery operations onboard Fujian,