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The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has demonstrated its ability to launch and recover aircraft from its first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian. Official imagery released by the PLAN today confirms that the new J-35 naval stealth fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft are carrying out carrier trials, something that had not been seen until now. Meanwhile, we’ve also got a much better view of the J-15T single-seat carrier-based fighter launching and recovering aboard Fujian, having previously seen it in position for a catapult launch with its afterburners engaged. The sudden appearance of video of all three aircraft operating from the ship for the first time is something of a stunning revelation, one of many that has come this year from China’s air power portfolio.

The undated videos and photos showing flight operations aboard Fujian reveal examples of all three aircraft being prepared for catapult launch, taking off, and then making arrested recoveries. The aircraft are also shown in flight, including in formation with a J-15D series electronic warfare aircraft, and Fujian is shown from above, with the J-35, KJ-600, and J-15T arranged on its deck.

Fujian has been conducting sea trials since May 2024, and there have been growing signs that fixed-wing flight operations were underway. In August of this year, official imagery showed J-15s on the deck of the carrier and flying at low level above it. At that stage, however, there were no clear indications that the J-15 had actually taken off from and/or landed on Fujian.

An earlier video is shown below of J-15 activity aboard Fujian, but without presenting any carrier takeoffs or recoveries:

First-ever official footage of flight operations aboard China’s newest, soon-to-be commissioned aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian (18)

On the eve of the PLA’s 98th anniversary, PRC media released video showcasing another major milestone: integration tests between the electromagnetic… pic.twitter.com/wIrU4hxFi6

— Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) July 31, 2025

While we don’t know how long these fixed-wing aircraft types have now been conducting flight operations aboard the carrier, revealing all three in action at once is something of a coup.

Of the three types, the J-15 family is a Chinese development of the Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker, with the T version being specifically developed for catapult launch. Earlier variants of the J-15, as well as the Su-33, were designed for use on short takeoff but assisted recovery (STOBAR) carriers with ‘ski jumps’ rather than catapults, like the PLAN’s first two flattops. The J-15T had previously been seen operating from these two earlier vessels, in which case it relies on the STOBAR mode. However, the addition of a catapult launch bar (and less visible additional structural modifications) means the T-model is very much optimized for Fujian, from which it will be able to launch at higher operating weights than in STOBAR mode.

The J-35 is the PLAN’s next-generation carrier fighter, a stealthy design that was intended to conduct catapult takeoff but assisted recovery (CATOBAR) operations from the outset. Developed from the land-based FC-31, there are also signs that the J-35, like the J-15T, might also eventually embark on the Liaoning and Shandong. Until now, however, it hadn’t been seen taking part in any kind of carrier operations, other than in the form of mock-ups.

As for the KJ-600, the size and performance of this aircraft mean that it’s only suitable for CATOBAR operations, restricting its use to Fujian and any follow-on carriers. At least three examples are seen on the deck of Fujian. This aircraft will fulfill the same role as the U.S. Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye, and, although not a direct copy, it is extremely similar both in size and overall design.

Also seen in the new imagery is the Z-9 helicopter, a license-produced variant of the Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS365 Dauphin. Z-9s are also part of the air wings found on China’s STOBAR carriers, including for use as plane guards while fixed-wing aircraft are launching and recovering, and the type has been seen on the deck of Fujian, too, in the past.

Overall, testing Fujian’s abilities to launch and recover fixed-wing aircraft is a critical part of the path to operational service. However, it has added resonance since not only is the carrier fully homegrown, but so are the J-35 and KJ-600, the most important elements of its air wing, and they have not previously been to sea, at least in an operational capacity. The PLAN is therefore introducing to service a new carrier design and at least two new naval aircraft designs simultaneously, which is impressive by any measure.

Just as significant is the fact that Fujian is equipped with electromagnetically powered catapults, the testing of which first began in 2023 while the ship was still being fitted out.

In contrast to the U.S. Navy, which gathered decades of experience with steam-powered catapults, China opted for electromagnetic ones for its first CATOBAR carrier. It’s worth noting that the U.S. 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. Based on earlier predictions, the F-35C may not do the same for some years.

As we have discussed in the past, electromagnetic catapults offer several advantages, not least the fact that they can be more finely tuned to very different aircraft types, including ones that are larger and slower (like the KJ-600), or which are smaller and lighter, such as smaller drones. EMALS are also less mechanically complex than their predecessors, providing lower reset times that can help boost sortie-generation rate. On the other hand, the technology behind the electromagnetic catapults on USS Gerald R. Ford proved to be hard to master, causing issues for years before the U.S. Navy said it was able to mitigate them.

While the latest imagery from Fujian’s trials focuses on traditionally crewed fixed-wing airpower, it’s very likely that this carrier, and other aviation-capable PLAN ships, will eventually operate advanced uncrewed platforms. In this case, the capabilities offered by EMALS are particularly relevant. The PLAN is known to be working on advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs) and other types of drones that can be launched from carriers and big-deck amphibious warfare ships. Fujian will surely be no exception in this regard.

Videos provide a comparison of a STOBAR J-15 carrier launch and a CATOBAR J-15T launch from Fujian:

Whatever trials and tribulations the PLAN might have faced with its new homegrown carrier, its advanced electromagnetic catapults, and its new-look air wing, the Fujian project is indicative of a broader modernization drive within the service.

As well as increasingly advanced and powerful surface combatants and submarines, China is understood to be already working on its next CATOBAR carrier. Generally referred to as the Type 004, this may also be nuclear-powered.

The expanding PLAN carrier force also reflects growing strategic ambitions for the PLAN, as it pivots toward being able to take part in higher-end regional missions, such as intervention against Taiwan, as well as longer-range blue water operations in the Pacific and beyond.

For China, therefore, Fujian is much more than just a point of national and naval pride. With the carrier now expected to enter operational service by the end of this year, we will surely learn more about this landmark design for the PLAN, and the various aircraft that will serve aboard it.

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IBM‘s (IBM -1.34%) efforts to capitalize on the rise of generative AI aren’t its only big bet on future technology. Alongside this, the company has also been investing heavily in quantum computing.

Quantum computing utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems more quickly than classical computers. The potential use cases of this technology are extensive, including applications in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, drug development, and even areas like sustainable energy and traffic optimization.

However, with the perception that this catalyst, at best, will only start to positively impact performance many years from now, investors don’t seem all that interested in “Big Blue’s quantum leap” right now.

Instead, what’s top of mind among them right now is whether increased spending on AI infrastructure is coming at the expense of IBM’s other product and service offerings, which may result in lower-than-expected overall growth for the company.

Still, does this mean it’s better to “watch and wait” with this stock right now? Not necessarily. Instead, this dynamic may start to shift.

Image source: Getty Images.

IBM makes more quantum progress, but investors are unimpressed

Up until recently, news related to IBM’s quantum computing catalyst would elicit a positive reaction from the market. For example, back in June, the stock surged when the company announced plans to have the world’s first “large-scale, fault-tolerant supercomputer” on the market by the end of this decade.

A “fault-tolerant” quantum supercomputer monitors and self-corrects errors at the component level, to prevent the system from producing faulty calculations. This is important, since a high error incidence rate has been a key reason why quantum computing, despite being many decades in the making, has yet to go mainstream.

Now, however, further news regarding IBM’s quantum catalyst hasn’t seemed to excite investors all that much. On Aug. 26, IBM and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD 1.91%) announced that they would collaborate on quantum computing, with AMD providing the chips needed to power IBM’s quantum supercomputer.

However, while the stock has moved higher since this announcement, the gains have been modest at best. Admittedly, this makes some sense, given other events that have transpired over the past few months.

Software uncertainty limited a post-earnings recovery

A month prior to this latest major quantum computing announcement, the market reacted negatively to IBM’s latest quarterly earnings release. Overall, the company beat on both revenue and earnings for the quarter ended June 30. Strong demand for AI-specialized mainframes resulted in better-than-expected revenue for IBM’s infrastructure segment, with revenue of $4.14 billion beating forecasts calling for $3.81 billion in revenue.

Yet while robust demand for AI infrastructure led to an earnings beat, the market placed greater focus on a negative aspect of the earnings release: weaker-than-expected software sales. Software makes up the majority of the company’s overall sales, with this segment representing around 43.5% overall revenue during Q2 2025.

The software sales miss was relatively minor, $7.39 billion compared to $7.41 billion expected, and was mainly due to flat transaction processing software sales. However, the concern remains that, as macro uncertainty persists, companies continue to invest in AI infrastructure, but are reducing expenditures in areas like enterprise software.

Hence, uncertainty about whether this trend will continue in Q3 and beyond is the likely culprit behind IBM’s modest post-earnings rebound. Still, with shares trending higher, albeit slowly, perhaps the market is starting to appreciate the company’s AI and quantum computing catalysts, as well as other promising areas like IBM’s consulting and hybrid cloud businesses.

Quantum computing, other growth catalysts, could drive a further rebound

As noted by CEO Arvind Krishna in prepared remarks released alongside Q2 2025 earnings, AI is driving growth across multiple IBM segments, including within the software segment, as well as in segments like consulting.

As a result, IBM’s total “AI book of business,” consisting of both sales and bookings, continues to grow at a rapid clip. Last quarter, this “book of business” totaled $7.5 billion, up $1.5 billion, or 25%, versus the previous quarter. Also, don’t forget that AI is not the only near-term growth driver for the company.

Earlier, I briefly mentioned IBM’s hybrid cloud business, made up primarily by the company’s Red Hat software unit. During the second quarter, Red Hat sales grew 16% year over year, up from 12% during Q1 2025. This could be the prelude to further growth acceleration in the coming quarters.

As for the “quantum catalyst”? The big payoff may be years in the making, but another major update could be just around the corner. Later this year, IBM and AMD plan to hold a public demonstration of how IBM supercomputers, powered by AMD chips, could deliver hybrid quantum-classical workflows.

Progress in these areas could lead to higher prices for the stock, as the market once again appreciates how IBM is shedding its past “tech dinosaur” image. IBM’s operating margins increased from 13.7% to 14.5% last quarter, and could be en route to rehit levels above 20%, a level of profitability not seen for more than a decade.

While IBM’s stock has surged in value over the past two years thanks to this long-term transformation, further upside may be on the table. Currently trading for around 21.5 times forward earnings, shares remain undervalued compared to other tech giants investing heavily in AI, like Meta Platforms and Microsoft, which trade for between 25 and 35 times forward earnings, respectively.

With all of this in mind, I would consider IBM worth buying at this stage of the rebound.

When it comes to athletes who deserve to be welcomed on a red carpet walk each time they show up for classes, the name of John Michael Flint of Bishop Diego High comes to mind.

He’s 6 feet 2 and 180 pounds, was the league player of the year in volleyball, has a 38-inch vertical leap that allows him to dunk a basketball or kill a volleyball at the blink of an eye, and starts for the football team at receiver and safety. He’s also an A student and the backup quarterback.

“We’re talking to him about doing some kicking,” football coach Tom Crawford said. “He can pretty much do anything you ask. He’s the complete student-athlete.”

He’s going to be a captain for the football team and also helps out with campus ministry.

“He’s mature beyond most high school kids’ years in terms of decisions he makes and how he relates to coaches and peers,” Crawford said. “I just like him because he has a great, quiet confidence and poise about him.”

He’s expected to also play basketball this coming season after not playing last season.

So get ready for the year of John Michael Flint showing the way at Bishop Diego.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email [email protected].

Fan favourite show Ginny and Georgia has returned to Netflix for an all new series which sees more dramatic storylines than ever but not all viewers are happy with the new episodes

Ginny and Georgia fans have all said the same thing about brother’s age leap in new series. The show has returned to Netflix for its third series, which viewers have waited two years for. Season three picks up just hours on from season two’s finale – but not everyone looks the same.

Many have pointed out that Ginny’s brother Austin has grown up a lot since the last season. Fans have noticed that the actor who plays Austin looks a lot older than nine-years-old which is what he is meant to be in the show.

Actor Diesel La Torraca who plays Austin is actually 14-year-old in real life so is five years older than the character he is playing. Many took to social media to point out the ridiculous age gap thanks to the huge break between filming the two series.

The show has not aired for two years but has picked up where it left off in season two meaning there should be no age change in the character. Taking to X, one viewer wrote: “I fear ginny and georgia is going to have to recast the little brother because this is deeply unserious.”

As a second said: “#ginnyandgeorgiaS3 know they wrong for having this 14 year old boy play his 9 year old character. They let too much time pass in between filming and it’s p***ing me off.”

“It’s so ridiculous cause austin being so young made georgia’s reckless choices hit harder. Now he looks the same age ginny’s supposed to be playing and it just doesn’t give the same effect,” a fan pointed out.

As a fourth added: “Netflix should stop taking 2+ years between seasons because wdym these two scenes are supposed to be only a few months apart? #ginnyandgeorgia.”

Diesel took to his own TikTok page back in May and shared a video of himself which he captioned: “My tryna convince people that Austin is still 9.” The Australian-American actor has acted in several roles already despite just being in his teens which include in The Secrets She Keeps, Lambs of God, La Brea and Little Monsters.

Actress Antonia Gentry who plays the main character of Ginny commented on how quickly the actor who plays her little brother has grown up.

When season 3 filming began in 2024 she shared a side-by-side photo of herself and Diesel after filming season 1 compared with now which showed how much he had grown.

He was originally much shorter than the actress and now he towers above her. Ginny and Georgia first arrived on Netflix back in 2021 and quickly became a fan-loves show.

It is now in its third series and has got even more dramatic than before. Series two left off with a murder which mum-of-two Georgia is now being accused of, despite it actually being her son who committed the crime.

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