In response to a growing shortage of qualified fighter pilots, China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has accelerated its pilot training program with a focus on modernizing its curriculum and training infrastructure. As part of this initiative, Shijiazhuang Flight Academy, one of the primary training centers for the PLAAF, has overhauled its training approach and retired outdated third-generation trainers, such as the MiG-21, which were previously used for pilot instruction.
The reform at Shijiazhuang is aimed at speeding up the pilot training process, effectively reducing the typical four-year training program by a year. This modernization effort is part of a broader push to enhance the operational readiness of the PLAAF, as it seeks to address the increasing demand for skilled fighter pilots amid rapid military expansion. While these changes mark significant progress, a fully modernized pilot training system is not expected to be in place until 2030.
Additionally, both Xi’an and Harbin Flight Academies are setting up specialized units to guide new graduates as they transition into advanced combat aircraft. By shifting this responsibility from front-line combat units to training academies, the PLAAF intends to streamline the process, ensuring that pilots are fully prepared for combat roles once they complete their basic training.
These efforts are part of China’s broader plan to modernize its air force, with a focus on improving training speed and quality to keep pace with rapidly advancing aviation technologies and increasing defense needs. The modernization of pilot training is seen as crucial for the PLAAF to maintain operational superiority and prepare for future challenges in air combat. With a target to achieve full modernization of its air force by 2030, China is positioning itself as a global power in air defense.