– Sea trials test an aircraft carrier’s design, systems, and operations.– Typically, the sea trial phase lasts 1–2 years internationally.– The U.S. often shortens this timeline to under a year due to extensive experience.
– The Fujian has already completed 5 sea trials in just 6 months.– This pace is a significant improvement compared to China’s previous carriers, Liaoning and Shandong.– It shows that Fujian is halfway through the required trials.
– Liaoning: 10 sea trials, ~13 months to enter service.– Shandong: 11 sea trials, ~19 months to enter service.– Fujian’s faster trials show China’s growing efficiency in carrier development.
– Maturing Experience – China has incorporated lessons from previous carriers.– Geopolitical Pressures – A tense global environment pushes for rapid naval development.
– Ongoing global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Palestine tensions.– Disputes in the South China Sea, with involvement from the U.S., Philippines, and Vietnam, make a faster commissioning crucial.
– Once Fujian joins the fleet, China will establish a three-carrier rotation system:One carrier on duty,One under maintenance,One in training.– This ensures continuous operational readiness.
– If the fifth sea trial goes smoothly, Fujian could enter service by May or June 2025.– The commissioning would mark a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities.– Strengthening the carrier strike group would enhance strategic deterrence and global readiness.