Military expert: J-35 may land on Fujian Ship for the first time and Sichuan Ship is expected to be in service at the end of next year.
The year 2024 is a crucial year for the transformation and development of the People’s Navy, from the maiden voyage of the Fujian Ship, the third aircraft carrier in our country, to the first joint deployment of Liaoning Ship and Shandong Ship, as well as the first exercise conducted by a dual aircraft carrier formation. Furthermore, with the launching of the first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, Sichuan Ship, this year’s development can be considered heartening. When can Sichuan Ship be put into military training and prepared for combat? Will Fujian Ship have new aircraft carriers? Military experts appeared on a program today to answer these questions.
From outfitting → debugging → sea trial
Sichuan Ship is expected to be in service by the end of 2026
When can Sichuan Ship be put into military training and prepared for combat?
Military Expert Shao Yongling: It may still take some time. The completion of the hull structure and the power system means that it has been out of the dock.
Next, it needs to be outfitted and debugged, which may take more than a year. After that, it will go through sea trials. If everything goes particularly smoothly, it may be in service by the end of 2026. If it takes a little longer, I estimate it will be ready by the middle of 2027. Once it is in service, it means it can participate in some naval activities.
However, it takes time for a warship to be put into service and form initial combat capability, as well as full combat capability. Therefore, it is indeed a relatively long cycle from the construction of a naval vessel to its final ability to stand alone and go to battle.
Landing and taking off aircraft carriers on Fujian Ship
Expert: This must happen this year!
In May last year, Fujian Ship completed its first navigation test. What are the key focuses of Fujian Ship this year? Will there be new aircraft carriers on board?
Military Expert Shao Yongling: It should be in the stage of ship-aircraft integration theoretically. As it has already undergone five sea trials, the focus in 2025 is certainly on ship-aircraft integration. So I believe we will see our aircraft carriers taking off and landing on Fujian Ship this year, which is a must.
A good horse deserves a good saddle
J-35 may be equipped on Fujian Ship
At last year’s China Aviation Expo, the carrier-based J-35 and J-15T models were displayed at the maritime attack and defense themed booth. Where is it most likely for the J-35 to serve in the future?
Military Expert Shao Yongling: As we often say, a good horse deserves a good saddle. The J-35 is a stealth fighter with powerful combat capabilities. Therefore, I believe the ideal situation is to equip it on our latest aircraft carrier, such as Fujian Ship. Because Fujian Ship uses electromagnetic catapults, which can maximize the combat capabilities of the J-35.
