China’s rapid naval expansion, spotlighted by the construction of the Fujian aircraft carrier, has led to suspicions that it may have obtained blueprints or key data for the U.S. Navy’s Ford-class carriers. The Fujian, featuring an electromagnetic catapult system similar to the Ford-class’s EMALS, raises eyebrows.
Experts and analysts are debating whether China, with its history of acquiring U.S. military technology, has successfully infiltrated the secrets of the Ford-class carriers. The J-20 fighter jet, which resembles the F-35, exemplifies China’s past behavior of technological acquisition. This backdrop fuels the current concerns over the Fujian.
Despite its advancements, the Fujian still lags behind the Ford-class in several respects. It is smaller, less powerful, and lacks the nuclear capabilities of the Ford-class, limiting its endurance and operational range. Sam Roggeveen from the Lowy Institute noted that the Fujian’s 80,000-ton displacement is significantly less than the Ford-class’s 100,000 tons, meaning it will carry fewer aircraft and require more frequent resupply.
The electromagnetic catapult system, or EMALS, on the Fujian closely mirrors that of the Ford-class, raising questions about whether China developed this technology independently. EMALS allows for higher-tempo aircraft launching with less stress on the planes and reduced maintenance requirements. The timing of China’s advancements in this area has heightened suspicions of espionage.
Moreover, China’s naval infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to the U.S. It lacks a robust fleet of replenishment ships and a global network of ports and bases, which are crucial for sustained operations far from home. Roggeveen pointed out that China’s ability to project power with the Fujian is limited compared to the U.S. Navy’s Ford-class carriers.
China’s broader strategy involves pushing its naval capabilities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, to challenge U.S. dominance. While the Fujian represents a significant technological step forward, it also underscores the ongoing strategic competition between China and the United States. As China continues to expand its naval prowess, the U.S. must remain vigilant in protecting its technological advantages.
