Type 003 class (Fujian-class)

Public description

The Fujian class is the PLAN's first catapult-assisted aircraft carrier programme and marks a major step beyond the ski-jump Liaoning and Shandong classes. Electromagnetic catapults are intended to support heavier fixed-wing aircraft, airborne early-warning aircraft and higher sortie generation. Its operational value is prospective until full air-wing integration and fleet service are mature, but the programme changes the scale of Chinese carrier aviation.