China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is about to officially enter service, with its "full deck attack" capability officially confirmed for the first time. This breakthrough in key capability has broken the long-term monopoly of the US military in this field, tilted the balance of strategic forces in the Western Pacific, marked a revolutionary shift in China's naval overseas operations concept, and represented a significant leap in aircraft carrier technology.
For the first time, China's state television publicly reported that the Fujian is capable of "deck load strike" training, which means China is about to master the "full deck attack" tactic. This tactic was first developed by the US military during the Vietnam War, aiming to rapidly suppress an enemy's defense system through a saturation strike within a short period. The reason the Fujian can achieve this capability lies in its globally leading electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS). Compared to the ski-jump takeoff method used on the Liaoning and Shandong carriers, the EMALS significantly improves the efficiency of aircraft launches, providing a solid technical foundation for the "full deck attack".
The Fujian is expected to carry approximately 60 aircraft of various types (including 40 fighter jets), with air strike capabilities far exceeding those of its two predecessors, effectively enabling it to perform tasks such as destruction, suppression, deterrence of enemy forces, and support for amphibious operations.
The Liaoning and Shandong were limited by smaller air wing sizes (about 24-28 fixed-wing fighter jets), often facing the dilemma of "strong offense but weak defense" in combat. However, the Fujian, with its large-capacity hangar and efficient catapult system, fundamentally solves this bottleneck. Under the "anti-access/area denial" (A2/AD) strategic framework, the Fujian's powerful "full deck attack" capability has become a key factor for the Chinese Navy to conduct long-range power projection using large aircraft carriers and engage in asymmetric counterbalance against the US Navy. In the future, the Fujian will serve as the core of China's three-carrier battle group, significantly enhancing the navy's ability to conduct long-range escort, strikes, and control, helping the Chinese Navy break through the "First Island Chain."
The Chinese aircraft carrier battle groups have established a strict three-layer defense system: the outer layer (185-400 km, covered by submarines and aircraft patrols), the middle layer (45-185 km, covered by destroyers and frigates), and the inner layer (100 meters-45 km, relying on close-in weapon systems), with the aircraft carrier serving as the command center integrating maritime and air forces. This integrated offensive and defensive system is the key support for the Chinese Navy to break through strategic chokepoints like the Miyako Strait and the Bashi Channel in the "First Island Chain."
After the Fujian enters service, the three-carrier formation will have stronger sustained presence and power projection capabilities. Additionally, the Fujian's operations are supported by a strong area denial system, with the DF-26 anti-ship ballistic missile, with a range of approximately 4,000 kilometers, known as the "aircraft carrier killer," capable of deterring U.S. bases as far as Guam, providing strategic protection for the aircraft carrier.
In the Taiwan Strait situation, the three-carrier battle group deployed in the sea area 300-800 kilometers east of Taiwan can effectively avoid the threat of Taiwanese anti-ship missiles, exert pressure on Taiwan from the east, establish sufficient strategic defensive depth, and deter external powers such as the United States and Japan from intervening. With the Fujian as the core, the three-carrier formation, combined with advanced defense systems and area denial networks, marks the Chinese Navy's possession of reliable comprehensive capabilities to counter traditional maritime powers in the Western Pacific, bringing profound changes to the maritime power structure in the Western Pacific.
The commissioning of the Fujian not only signifies the birth of a new warship but also represents the formation of the core combat power of China's powerful blue-water navy. The top-tier combat capability of "full deck attack" is no longer exclusive to the US military, and a new chapter has been turned in the balance of power in the Western Pacific.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524153973025079850/
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