Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

How does China’s leadership view its fighter pilots?

21st December 2020 - 19:00 GMT | by The Geobukseon in Indo-Pacific

RSS

There is a trust deficit between the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party and the nation's pilots who would be tasked to go to war.

One of the lessons most commonly lost on those who make procurement decisions is that the purchase of a weapon system that represents a leap in technological capability does not translate into some instant, magical uptick in combat power.

The quality of the operator, their training, the command environment and the degree to which the pilot, submarine captain or infantry officer has freedom to make their own decisions – all these factors make as much or more of a difference than the technology level of weaponry.

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is a perfect example of this truism.

Already have an account? Log in