China's air force accelerates fighter pilot training with new jet trainer

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is introducing the Hongdu JL-10 jet trainer to speed up fighter pilot training. This new trainer will replace older models, reducing the training time from eight years to a more efficient schedule. Previously, PLAAF pilots underwent three years of training on older aircraft, followed by an additional year on frontline jets. The JL-10 allows for centralized training directly on the assigned fighter, aiming to streamline the process by 2030. Currently, the PLAAF produces about 400 pilots annually, while the U.S. Air Force trains 1,350 pilots. The introduction of the JL-10 is part of efforts to address the PLAAF's pilot production challenges amid a growing fleet of advanced fighter jets.