The Chinese military announced that its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, will soon be operational, having successfully completed extensive trials and training, including catapult-assisted take-off and arrested landing with various carrier-based aircraft. The Fujian, featuring advanced electromagnetic launch systems and a full-load displacement exceeding 80,000 tonnes, signifies a significant boost in China’s naval capabilities, potentially enabling the operation of three carrier groups for the first time. This development raises concerns about China’s intentions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding its territorial claims in the South China Sea and potential naval deployments in the Indian Ocean. Such advancements underscore the strategic imperative for India to enhance its maritime defense readiness in response to an increasingly assertive Chinese naval presence in the region.