ABSTRACT
This chapter presents insight into the development of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF’s) organisation, doctrine, and tactics. The author tells the story of how the PLAAF over the last decade has been transforming from ‘an antiquated force outfitted with obsolete weapon systems operated by personnel applying outdated employment concepts’ towards an advanced air force with offensive capability. The advancement includes fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, airborne early warning aircraft, aerial refuelling tankers, and long-rang anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems. The chapter makes clear that China is modernising and professionalising the PLAAF into a new air force. The PLAAF’s strategic vision, calling for the development of a strategic air force with long-range capabilities, as well as integrated air and space operations employing firepower systems that incorporate advanced information technology, is modelled on American practices as the Chinese perceive them. The author suggests that the most severe constraint in turning the PLAAF into a strategic service is the PLA’s political and organisational culture that demands absolute loyalty to the Party. He concludes that although many officers have embraced a new concept of operations, it will take time for the PLAAF to cultivate new ways of doing things and to develop an effective and efficient organisational structure.
