China’s Fujian has officially entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy, marking the nation’s transition into the era of electromagnetic launch. It is the first non-American carrier to feature an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System.
Social media debates about its capabilities often overestimate the capabilities of various military enthusiasts without providing factual evidence. This video will analyse the actual capability, naval doctrine, and capacity of both ships, and explain why the USS Gerald R Ford is superior to the CNS Fujian.
USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN-78)
The USS Gerald R Ford displaces approximately 100,000 tons at full load. Its flight deck measures 333 meters in length and 78 meters in beam. Propelled by two A1B nuclear reactors, the ship can sustain speeds exceeding 30 knots for indefinite periods.
This propulsion system removes operational limitations, leaving only crew endurance and aircraft logistics as constraining factors.
The Ford is outfitted with four Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System catapults and next-generation Advanced Arresting Gear. Its twin reactors generate more than 600 megawatts of electricity, which is triple the power of Nimitz-class carriers. This power surplus supports the development of future energy weapons, more advanced sensors, and expanded aircraft operations.
The Ford-class has already fielded a fully integrated, combat-proven air wing. According to the U.S. Navy, the Ford-class carrier typically operates around 90 aircraft. A standard Carrier Air Wing configuration aboard the Ford includes 44 Super Hornet multirole fighters, five Growler electronic warfare aircraft, four Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control platforms, six anti-submarine helicopters, four utility and search and rescue helicopters, ten F-35C Lightning II fifth-generation stealth fighters and MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refuelling drones.
CNS Fujian (Type 003)
CNS Fujian is estimated to displace 80,000 tons, with a length of 316 meters and a beam of 76 meters. Unlike its American counterpart, Fujian is conventionally powered, most likely through gas turbines or diesel-electric systems.
The ship features three Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System catapults and a Soviet-era arresting gear system similar to that of the CNS Shandong.
The Peoples Liberation Army Navy estimates suggest the ship will be able to host 48 fixed-wing aircraft and 12 helicopters. The People’s Liberation Army Navy has confirmed a future air wing that includes 24 J-15T “Flying Shark” multirole fighters, 12 J-35 next-generation fighters, 4 Kj-600 turboprop airborne early warning aircraft, 6 Z-18F or Z-20 anti-submarine and utility helicopters, and the Gj-11 drone.
However, the Chinese J-35, Kj-600, Z-18F, and Gj-11 are undergoing sea trials, with no estimated time to full operational capability. The J-35 and Kj-600 have not yet achieved initial operational capability. The J-15T is known as the “flopping fish” in Chinese media due to its underperforming WS-10B engine, which limits its capability to carry only four air-to-air payloads.
CNS Fujian vs USS Ford: Sensor Comparison
In the domain of sensors and battle management, the Ford-class is ahead of the Chinese CNS Fujian. Its Dual-Band Radar combines X-band and S-band AESA arrays, allowing for simultaneous target tracking, fire control, and situational awareness. It is fully linked into the Cooperative Engagement Capability network, providing real-time data sharing across the fleet. The ship also fields Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles Block II and Rolling Airframe Missiles for close-in defence.
What differentiates U.S. naval aviation most is its integration into a real-time, joint-force architecture. U.S. Carrier Air Wings operate as part of a fully networked C4ISR ecosystem, sharing data with satellites, Aegis destroyers, submarines, drones, and allied units.
Fujian carries dual Type 346A phased array radars, derived from the Soviet-era S-300 PMU radar set, similar to those on China’s Type 55 destroyers. It is also equipped with HQ-10 short-range missiles and one close-in weapons system. The Chinese Navy is yet to achieve joint or networked maritime combat. The ship’s combat management system has not been proven in combat or in sea trials.
While the Fujian may look impressive, it lacks the capability in launch systems, air wing architecture, and future sensor integration, and therefore does not close the gap.
The Chinese Navy lacks networking capabilities due to its Soviet-origin phased-array radars, minimal ISR satellites, and weak indigenous data links; however, it remains behind in combat validation, interoperability among forces, and lacks global reach.
CNS Fujian vs USS Ford: Air Operations
This composition enables the Ford to execute a wide range of missions, including strike, electronic attack, airborne early warning, air superiority, anti-submarine warfare, and unmanned support. The ship’s modern layout, automated weapons elevators, and flight-deck innovations enable high-tempo flight operations. Under surge conditions, the Ford is designed to support up to 160 sorties per day, depending on mission requirements and the composition of the air wing.
By comparison, the Chinese Navy is yet to perform sustained sorties through its three conventionally powered aircraft carriers.
CNS Fujian vs USS Ford: Naval Doctrine Comparison
The deeper contrast lies in strategic philosophy. The U.S. Navy’s carrier model is designed to be global, nuclear-powered, interoperable, and expeditionary, honed through decades of combat operations, global exercises, and enhanced interoperability with allies. Carrier Air Wings routinely integrate with NATO and Indo-Pacific forces.
Fujian, by comparison, is only now entering service and has yet to perform sustained operations at sea; China has yet to assemble a complete strike group, let alone conduct real-world expeditionary missions. The Chinese Navy’s model is regional, conventional, and still undergoing doctrinal maturation.
CNS Fujian vs USS Ford: Endurance Comparison
Endurance remains another critical differentiator. The Ford-class can operate continuously for 20 to 25 years without reactor refuelling, supported by a global network of logistics bases and replenishment ships. This gives U.S. carrier strike groups unmatched operational reach.
In contrast, Fujian will depend on conventional fuel and logistics ships, which limits its range of continuous deployment. Fujian can operate for 45 days at sea before requiring replenishment, depending on the type of fuel and sortie tempo.
Conclusion
Designed for high-tempo operations, the USS Ford represents the pinnacle of carrier strike capability. The Ford-class remains the benchmark, with broader aircraft capacity, superior propulsion, higher sortie generation rates, and full-spectrum mission capability.
For now, the Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian signals a new chapter in Chinese naval development. But the USS Ford still sets the gold standard.
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