Hainan: China on Friday commissioned its first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier to the navy in the country's southern Hainan province, the armed forces said. President Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony.

According to Anadolu Agency, Beijing's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is capable of hosting catapult-assisted takeoff and landing for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft. Local media reports highlight that catapults enable aircraft to launch more frequently and at higher speeds from shorter distances while carrying heavier payloads, unlike traditional ski-jump decks, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

With the addition of the Fujian, Beijing becomes the second country to operate an electromagnetic aircraft carrier after the United States. The Fujian, first unveiled in June 2022, is noted as the Chinese navy's largest-ever ship and marks China's third aircraft carrier, following the Liaoning and the Shandong vessels.

The carrier vessel's initial sea trials had begun in May 2024, signifying a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities.