[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] China's Third Aircraft Carrier Targeting Our Sea

China recently announced that it conducted a "major military activity" in the waters off Qingdao Port in Shandong Province, drawing attention to China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. If the Fujian participated in this military activity, it would mark an official maritime operation despite still being in its trial operation period.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Qingdao Maritime Safety Administration in China stated on the 18th that it conducted a "major military activity" for three hours in the waters off Qingdao Port, Shandong Province. This location is only 3 to 4 km south of Qingdao on the Chinese mainland.

The details of the military activity were not disclosed. Military experts speculate that this exercise was more likely a trial operation of the Fujian, which was launched in Shanghai last June, rather than live-fire or missile attack training. It is believed that the Fujian was deployed in line with the rehearsal for the military parade ahead of the Chinese Navy Day (Navy founding day) on the 23rd.

Major Military Activity in Waters off Qingdao Port... Possible Appearance of Third Aircraft Carrier Fujian

China currently possesses two aircraft carriers: the Liaoning, a refurbished unfinished Russian carrier, and the Shandong, developed based on the Liaoning. China plans to establish at least four carrier strike groups by 2030, aiming to build the world's second-largest blue-water navy after the United States. The formation of these carrier strike groups is part of China's anti-access/area denial (A2AD) strategy. In other words, to prevent U.S. carrier strike groups from entering within 1,000 km of the Taiwan Strait, China needs to secure at least six aircraft carriers.

To this end, China plans to deploy the Fujian in active service by 2025. The Fujian, powered by diesel propulsion, is the first aircraft carrier designed and built entirely by China to feature an electromagnetic catapult system. This system uses steam or electromagnetism to rapidly accelerate and launch carrier-based aircraft from the deck. Aircraft taking off from the deck can reach speeds of over 250 km/h within seconds.

China's previous carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, use the Soviet-style ski-jump launch method. This method requires significantly reducing the takeoff weight of carrier-based aircraft. Compared to land-based runways, the shorter deck forces aircraft to be lighter, minimizing armaments and fuel loads, which reduces operational range and combat capability.

Undisclosed Aircraft Performance, First-Time Launch Method, Fuel-Hungry Diesel Engine?Requires Thorough Verification

Military experts express skepticism about the Fujian's electromagnetic catapult capability. First, it has not been verified whether the catapult actually functions. Even if the catapult is completed, carrier-based pilots will need time to adapt to it. Second, the Fujian uses conventional power, and to operate three electromagnetic catapults properly, it must carry separate diesel generators. Additionally, fuel supply ships must constantly accompany the carrier. Although the Fujian can hold 18,000 tons of fuel, this is considered insufficient.

In contrast, U.S. nuclear-powered carriers can conduct long-term maritime operations without refueling. The Fujian, using conventional power, reportedly has an operational duration of about 10 days without additional fuel, which is far too short for training missions in the Western Pacific.

The carrier-based aircraft are also a subject of debate. China has the J-15 and the stealth carrier-based J-35, modeled after the U.S. F-35. It is uncertain which aircraft will be deployed on the Fujian. However, the Chinese Navy's promotional videos show the J-35 taking off from the carrier deck, leading to speculation that the J-35 will be deployed on the Fujian.

The J-15 is a fighter modeled after the Russian Sukhoi Su-33 and is heavier than U.S. carrier-based fighters like the F-18 Hornet and F-35C. This is why China developed the WS-15H turbofan engine domestically. There is also an upgraded version of the J-15 with capabilities comparable to fourth-generation aircraft. It is basically a modified FC-31 fighter, which first flew in 2012, and is expected to play a key role as a carrier-based aircraft.

The J-35's appearance resembles U.S. stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35, indicating a similar design concept. However, the engines differ. The U.S. F-35C uses a single F135-PW-100 turbofan engine, whereas the Chinese J-35 has two engines, implying lower output.

One military expert said, "Even if China immediately deploys its aircraft carriers, operational experience is crucial," adding, "The U.S. also deployed carriers and fighters before World War II but invested significant time and resources to utilize the F-35C on nuclear carriers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.