China’s air force in recruitment drive for J-20 stealth fighter pilots
- Promotional video encourages young Chinese aged 17 to 20, and those graduating from high school in 2019, to apply
- With hundreds of new warplanes being commissioned each year, the country’s demand for pilots is huge
China’s air force is on the hunt for more fighter pilots for its fifth-generation J-20s, a year after the warplane was introduced to its combat units.
At present, there appear to be at least 18 pilots flying the home-grown stealth fighter jets, according to a promotional video released by the air force this week.
The video is part of a campaign to find new recruits for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and encourages young Chinese aged 17 to 20, and those graduating from high school in 2019, to apply.
The recruitment drive is under way in 31 of the country’s 33 provinces, and successful candidates will be given the opportunity to study at some of China’s top universities while they are being trained.
As the United States seeks to expand its military presence in the region as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, China is trying to build up its forces, with a focus on modernising the air force and navy.