THE PLA Air Force has become “Wings of Wonders” after 77 years through hard work, modernization and innovation marching towards greater “integration” and “invisibility” even beyond the outer space. It has become “icon” of global stealth superiority protecting its space, “sovereignty” and “national dignity”. Additionally, it has been dubbed as “wings of steel” and “hearts of fire” guarding its skies and space alike. Ultimately, precision has become its “strategic language” and the sky is its canvas. 11 November 2026, marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force a “milestone” that reflects more than seven decades of sustained institutional, doctrinal and technological evolution.

Obviously, since its inception the PLA Air Force has steadily advanced toward its strategic objective of integrating air and space capabilities while coordinating offensive and defensive operations, transitioning from a territorial air-defense force into a multi-domain, system-based strategic air arm which is commendable. Thus, it has an ideal combination of offensive and defensive operations. Definitely, the public debut of the J-35A medium stealth multirole fighter has expanded the Air Force’s traditional “three swordsmen” the J-20 stealth fighter, J-16 fighter, and J-10C fighter into a new “four swordsmen” lineup incorporating two types of stealth fighters. Alongside the J-10 series and the GJ-11 stealth unmanned aerial which is revealing its high-stealth characteristics constitutes a commendable buildup to its 77th anniversary.

The comparative studies of........

© Pakistan Observer