Satellite images reveal China's third aircraft carrier is in operation

China has begun deck operations on its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, ahead of its scheduled commissioning date. In military terms, this is known as deck operations, a significant milestone for aircraft carriers.

Satellite imagery taken between April and May 2025 shows skid marks in the restored area of the aircraft carrier’s angular flight deck, suggesting that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been operating fighter jets on the deck.

China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, undergoes sea trials, photo taken in May 2025.

These slip marks are particularly evident in the section where the carrier's deck slings would be deployed during the towing of fixed-wing aircraft.

This shows that the PLA Naval Air Force has begun to evaluate the capabilities of the Fujian aircraft carrier during sea trials taking place from April to May 2025.

Image from Google Maps shows activities on the deck of the Fujian aircraft carrier. Photo: Tue Minh/Google Maps

These tests could be carried out with variants of the SAC J-15 multirole fighter, which is in use on two other Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong.

In addition to the skid marks, satellite imagery also shows burn marks on the No. 2 catapult's thruster. These burn marks suggest that China has begun using at least one electromagnetic catapult to launch aircraft.

However, this scorch mark is not visible on the other two jet engines, suggesting that PLANAF aircraft launch operations are currently limited to catapult No. 2.

There are also models of various aircraft and position markings on the flight deck, indicating that the PLA Navy continued to improve flight deck handling procedures before commissioning Fujian.

The Fujian aircraft carrier was launched on June 17, 2022, and is considered the PLA's most modern aircraft carrier. World military observers assess that China's third aircraft carrier is equipped with the most advanced technological equipment they possess to date.