China says Fujian aircraft carrier has tested catapult launch system
A trailer for a military documentary appears to show footage from a camera mounted on a plane as it took off from the ship
Beijing has said for the first time that its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has tested its launch catapult.
A trailer for a military-themed TV series released by state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday showed footage apparently filmed from the carrier’s flight deck.
These included shots seemingly taken from a camera mounted under a warplane as it took off using the electromagnetic launch system and what appeared to be a sailor in an operations room triggering the device.
The Fujian, launched in June 2022, is China’s first aircraft carrier to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults, which will allow the vessel to launch planes more regularly.
It was not clear when the footage was taken or whether the test was carried out when the Fujian, which has not yet entered service, was in port or out at sea.
“We have waited too long for our military to become strong and world class. We must be at the forefront of defending our country’s interests,” a narrator said during the three-minute trailer.
The Fujian is believed to have begun its fourth sea trial following the release of maritime safety notices by the Shanghai authorities earlier this month.
