Recently, China unveiled its first indigenous aircraft carrier known as Fujian (Type 003), putting China in second place after the United States in terms of aircraft carrier count.
This new-generation aircraft carrier has spurred concern from various corners, particularly India, and has sparked conversations about technological advancement and territorial control.
What is Fujian?
The aircraft carrier Fujian is named after China’s eastern coastal province, which is situated across Taiwan. The vessel joins China’s other carriers, Shandong (Type 001) and the Liaoning (Type 002) purchased second-hand from Ukraine in 1998. The Fujian, with a displacement of 80,000 tonnes, surpasses its predecessors in terms of technology and size. It boasts state-of-the-art launch technology, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), initially developed by the U.S. Navy.
Fujian’s Features
The Fujian features a straight flat-top flight deck for take-offs and landings, unlike the ski-jump-style ramps utilised by the existing vessels. A ski-jump allows aircraft to take off from a runway that is shorter than the aircraft’s required takeoff roll.
China’s territorial claim and India’s concerns
China’s territorial claims over most of the South China Sea, backed by the recent deployment of the Fujian, has increased tension in the region. The presence of the aircraft carrier provides China more room to operate in the South China Sea and Taiwan Straits, jeopardising India’s maritime interests. Additional investments in ports across Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Djibouti indicate China’s intention to augment its naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
Comparison with U.S. Military Strength
Despite China’s military expansion, the U.S. still takes the lead in naval strength, boasting 11 nuclear-powered vessels.
What is EMALS and its significance
EMALS is a catapult system designed to provide additional push to aircraft. It comes in two types: steam-powered and electromagnetic ones called EMALS. Developed by the U.S. defence company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., this technology was shared with India in 2017. However, due to budget constraints, plans for installation were dropped. Currently, Bharat Electronics Limited in Bengaluru is reportedly developing an EMALS model that could be tested for CATOBAR operations on Indian warships soon.
Status of Aircraft Carriers in India
India’s largest aircraft carrier and warship is the INS Vikramaditya, converted from the decommissioned Russian Navy vessel Admiral Gorshkov/Baku. The INS Vikramaditya utilises a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery, or STOBAR mechanism with an angular ski-jump.
India’s second aircraft carrier: INS Vikrant
The INS Vikrant, set to be commissioned later this year, will use the CATOBAR system to launch aircraft. Its construction propelled India into a select group of countries having capabilities to build state-of-the-art aircraft carriers. It will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).
UPSC Civil Services Exam, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
In 2016, one of the questions asked was about ‘INS Astradharini’. It is an indigenously built Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel, acting as a replacement for Astravahini which was decommissioned on 17th July 2015. It is one of the evidence of India’s adherence to the ‘Make in India’ philosophy, with 95% of its systems being of indigenous design.