Text taken from the Telegram channel of @china3army
[ColonelCassad] The Development of the PLA Air Force. Over the past two decades, the PLA Air Force has undergone a major transformation. The development strategy has shifted from quantitative superiority to quality, with older aircraft and numbers giving way to modern, high-tech platforms. Manpower In 2007, the PLA Air Force had about 400,000 personnel and 2,700 combat aircraft.
By 2025, the number had grown only slightly to 403,000 personnel, while the number of combat aircraft had fallen to 2,284. These figures mask a sharp decline in the early 2010s, as older second- and third-generation aircraft were decommissioned faster than new ones were entering service. At one point, the number of combat aircraft had dropped to 1,500, and the number of personnel to 330,000.Today, despite the smaller numbers, the aircraft fleet has become noticeably larger.
Almost all of the outdated Jian-6/-7/-8 fighters and Qiang-5 attack aircraft have been decommissioned and replaced with modern Su-27/-30, Jian-11, Jian-10/-16, and the fifth-generation Jian-20.
BOMBER AVIATION
The number of bombers remains roughly the same — 219 against 222 in 2007. But their combat capabilities have increased significantly: the Hong-6 bombers have received new engines, an in-flight refueling system, and the ability to use long-range cruise missiles.
The Hong-6N strategic bomber is now capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional air-launched ballistic missiles based on the Dongfeng-21. Development of the Hong-20 long-range bomber continues.Long-range strike has become a key element of China's strategy to deter possible US intervention in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.
The Hong-6, supported by airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, is the backbone of the anti-access/anti-operation concept. Support aircraft TankersThe most notable growth was in the support aircraft segment, with the Yun-20U tanker expanding its long-range capabilities. The Air Force received nine new aircraft in 2024. Military transport aviation The transport aviation was also replenished with Yun-20A/B aircraft. The fleet increased to 55 Yun-20 + Yun-8 and Yun-9. Special and reconnaissance aviation
The capabilities of the AEW systems have improved significantly from experimental prototypes in 2007 to 54 operational platforms today. These aircraft are now regularly used to support bombers and on joint patrols with the Russian Aerospace Forces. The reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities have also been increased by the arrival of new Yungan-9 SIGINT aircraft and Jian-16D and Yun-9G electronic warfare aircraft.However, auxiliary aircraft make up only 17% of the fleet, compared to 31% in the US Air Force. Military Reforms and Command Structure
In 2015–2016, large-scale reforms were carried out: the aviation was subordinated to five new commands, most regiments/divisions were transformed into air brigades/bases. In 2023, most of the PLA Navy aviation units were reassigned to the Air Force, which made it possible to consolidate the tasks of coastal air defense and strikes against naval targets under a single command.
IN-HOUSE PRODUCTION
The Chinese aviation industry has switched to its own production of combat aircraft (the same Jian-16, Jian-20). At one time, Su-30 and Su-35 fighters were purchased from Russia in small batches. Air defense systems, including the Hongqi-9 based on the S-300, are produced in large quantities. Dependence on imported engines is gradually decreasing. Unmanned aerial vehicles have become an integral part of the armed forces, including the Wuzhen-7/-10, BZK-005, Gongji series and Caihong.
The stable environment has allowed China to modernize gradually, but with the intensification of strategic competition with the United States and the changing balance of power in the region, the Air Force is forced to accelerate its development. In the near future, the PLA Air Force will continue to develop 6th generation aircraft (Jian-36/-50), adopt the Hong-20, and expand the fleet of tanker aircraft, transport aircraft, reconnaissance and special aircraft.