China’s three aircraft carriers, two of which have been commissioned and one of which was launched in June, represent China's expanding naval might. However, it appears that the country will have a difficult time making full use of these carriers as it struggles to keep up with the rising need for skilled ship-based fighter jet pilots, SCMP reported.
China's navy, the world's second-most powerful - with two aircraft carriers commissioned and another launched in June - is struggling to meet increased demand for qualified ship-borne fighter jet pilots, analysts said. The People's Liberation Army Navy has sped up carrier-based fighter jet pilot training programmes in the decade since the commissioning of its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, but.
China s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, having started sea trials last week, the PLA needed at least 200 qualified carrier-based fighter jet pilots to operate 130 ship-borne aircraft, reports PTI.
China is struggling to find enough trained pilots to operate fighter jets from aircraft carriers, prompting its navy with two aircraft carriers commissioned and another launched in June, to speed up the pilot training programme, a media report said.
As a military arm with international characteristics, the PLA Navy s trail covers six continents and four oceans, representing the image of China and attracting attention from the international community, particularly the aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong, and the 10,000 ton-class large destroyer Nanchang. In the past 10 years, new types of vessels entered service and enhanced combat capabilities, becoming the most direct witnesses of the PLA Navy s rapid development over the past decade. Shortly prior to April 23, the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy, commanding officers, a sailor, and a marine who sail together aboard warships shared their experiences over the past 10 years with the Global Times, depicting close-up portraits of the might of the PLA Navy in safeguarding China s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity, as well as world peace.