A KJ-600 early warning aircraft is ready to take off from China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian (Hull 18). Three types of aircraft recently completed their inaugural electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing trainings on the aircraft carrier.(eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Ju Zhenhua)

Numerous Chinese netizens as well as those from countries including the US, India, and Japan hailed the progress of China's defense capabilities after J-15T, J-35, KJ-600 aircraft completed electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoffs and landings on China's aircraft carrier Fujian on Monday. 

On China's Sina Weibo platform, as of 1:10 pm Tuesday, the topic related to the "aircraft carrier Fujian's successful catapult launches of the three types of aircraft" had garnered 73.67 million views and 38,000 discussions, staying on the trending list for over 17 hours. 

By 1:10 pm Tuesday on Douyin, a video sharing platform, the full video of the catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for three types of carrier-based aircraft, released by the official Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy account, had received 725,000 likes and over 110,000 comments. A multi-angle video of the J-35 stealth fighter jet's catapult launch, released by CCTV News, gained 870,000 likes.

Many military enthusiasts expressed their excitement on the internet. An enthusiast explained relevant knowledge in the comments, "The capability of electromagnetic catapult launch and recovery allow fighter jets to take off with a full load of fuel and armaments, allow the launch of fixed-wing early warning aircraft, and further signify a major leap in aerial detection capabilities and far-sea strike capabilities." 

Another military enthusiast commented under a video, "Since I first became fascinated with military equipment in middle school, this scene has lingered in my mind and dreams for over 20 years. Today, it has finally become a reality! How could it not move me to tears?" Another netizen compared the footage of the three types of carrier-based aircraft taking off and landing from various angles, exclaiming, "It feels like a dream." 

Others marveled at China's growing national strength and expressed pride in being Chinese. One netizen recalled how, 13 years ago, the hand signal of a takeoff assistant on the Liaoning launching a J-15 became a widely imitated meme. Reflecting on the carrier Fujian's multiple launch officers simultaneously directing three types of new-generation carrier-based aircraft, the netizen said, "Behind a single command gesture lies vivid proof to the successful transformation and upgrading of an entire military branch."

Many netizens also paid tribute to those who contributed to China's development. One created a painting featuring the one of the country's most iconic boats--the Red Boat, which honors the conclusion of the first National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 1921, side-by-side with the Fujian. This has echoed with lots of netizens, with one commented that "Such a great warship is bound to be born in a great nation." 

Beyond China, the Fujian's milestone test also drew attention abroad, including the US, Japan, and India. 

The US-based website The War Zone published an article on Tuesday and titled "China's Aircraft Carrier Capability Just Made A Stunning Leap Forward." The report said that "It's worth noting that the US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford was the first carrier ever to get an aircraft into the air using what is also referred to as an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). However, it has not launched an F-35C so far, making the J-35 the first stealth jet to achieve this feat, adding that "Based on earlier predictions, the F-35C may not do the same for some years."

In the comment sections of relevant videos on YouTube, a netizen said, "The world's first electromagnetic catapult launched 5th Gen stealth aircraft that's in service! Bravo China!" Another netizen commented that "A strong China contributes to Asia's prosperity and global stability," adding that "China's steel weapons are now matched with an indomitable will to fight." 

On X, a Japanese user admitted that with no prior footage available, he had assumed the Fujian was "just a paper tiger," but the facts proved he was wrong. An Indian netizen said on X, "The Chinese now have a J-35 stealth fighter and KJ-600 AWACS deployed on their carrier, the Fujian. This is a capability that India does not have."


Global Times