Chinese military speeds up pilot training for new aircraft carrier

Beijing [China], February 6: The Chinese military has accelerated the training of pilots for the Fujian aircraft carrier, according to China Central Television.
In a video broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV) on February 4, the PLA Naval Aviation University used land-based aircraft to train pilots for a new "special mission" aircraft on aircraft carriers. The new aircraft has not yet been put into service, according to the South China Morning Post today, February 6.
The pilot training course aims to ensure pilots are prepared to keep up with equipment deployment, with the aim of accelerating combat readiness, according to CCTV.
"Carrier 18 will be put into service soon," Lin Chunliang, a lecturer at the Naval Aviation University, told CCTV, referring to the hull number of the Fujian aircraft carrier. It is China's third aircraft carrier, after the Liaoning and Shandong .
"We hope to play a key and prominent role in pilot training, especially in developing carrier-based pilots," said instructor Lin.
China's most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, completed its sixth sea trial in early January after being launched in June 2022.
The Fujian's advanced electromagnetic catapult system will allow the launch of heavier and more advanced aircraft, such as the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
The Fujian aircraft carrier is also expected to carry J-15T fighters and J-35 stealth fighters , according to the South China Morning Post .
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper