L
AST YEAR WAS a successful
one for the People’s Liberation
Army Air Force (PLAAF) and
its ongoing process of re-
organization.
In retrospect, 2014 was not
only particularly eventful but also very
productive in terms of new types being
introduced to front-line units. At the same
time, the numerous projects currently
under test or in development have made
signifi cant progress. Of the latter, the
most prominent are surely the two ‘fi fth-
generation’ types, namely the Chengdu J-20
and the Shenyang FC-31, the latter being
announced at Zhuhai’s Airshow China- Important developments have also
been made in the improved Chengdu J-10B
and Shenyang J-15 naval fi ghter programs.
In the last few years, observers around
the world have become increasingly
familiar with China’s current operational
aircraft as well as the various ongoing
projects. In the same timeframe, the
number and range of types under
development in the country has been little
short of astonishing.
At the operational level, the PLAAF
itself is undergoing a very dynamic
process of restructuring. This has seen
some Air Divisions and Air Regiments
being disbanded, some units merged
with others, and others re-assigned to
different operational roles. A few formerly
disbanded units have also been resurrected.
Probably the most important structural
change has been the introduction of so-
called Bases with subordinated Brigades.
These have been formed where former
divisional headquarters and Command
Posts (CPs) were co-located, and then
merged. The four initial combat-assigned
Bases are no doubt only a fi rst step, in order
to validate the concept. Though there have
been rumors concerning a number of other
Divisions becoming Brigades, these have as
yet failed to materialize. Overall, it seems
logical that some of the remaining CPs will
be eventually be transformed into Bases
with subordinate Brigades.
Several units have been re-located to more
modern bases in line with a re-equipment
process, sometimes also in order to provide
space for further urban developments.Although certain elements of its ghter force remain dated in
comparison to other modern air arms, China has introduced an
impressive number of new, fourth-generation types into service
and members of the next generation are already under test.
Combat Aircraft reviews the current status of the Chinese ghter force.report: Andreas Rupprecht
Above: This J-20 (serial
2012) is one of four
pre-series prototypes. It
made its maiden ight in
July 2014, and features
a stealthy coating, a
re-designed intake and
vertical stabilizers, a new
canopy, and a fairing for a
potential electro-optical
targeting system.
All photos via Chinese
InternetThis photo: An evocative
ightline shot of a J-10A,
a J-8F, and an JH-7 on the
far right.52 May 2015 http://www.combataircraft.netFIGHTER FOCUS
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