A recent announcement from the Chinese Navy indicates an expansion of recruitment for carrier-based pilot training. Reports note that the recruitment drive was shared publicly on the fleet’s official social media accounts and was subsequently reported by the South China Morning Post. The message invites applicants to consider a path that could lead to serving aboard China’s aircraft carriers and contributing to the modernization of the nation’s naval forces.
The recruitment call emphasizes a national mission: encouraging young men and women to dedicate their early careers to building a world-class navy and playing a role in the ongoing rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This framing aligns with broader strategic goals that underscore the importance of a modern, capable naval aviation arm in China’s defense posture and regional influence.
Eligibility criteria outlined in the announcement are specific. Candidates should be recent university graduates holding a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, or engineering. A key age requirement is that applicants must be under 24 years old, and applicants must have no criminal record. These prerequisites reflect the program’s emphasis on technical proficiency and a clean personal record as foundations for demanding pilot training and assignments on carriers.
The selection process reportedly includes two rounds of assessment scheduled for March and April. Those who advance will travel to the China Naval Aviation University in Yantai, located in Shandong Province. There, recruits will undergo three to four years of combined theoretical coursework and flight training. This intensive program is designed to develop the high level of skill required for carrier operations, including complex takeoffs, landings, and in-flight procedures that are essential to sustained naval aviation readiness.
Historically, the pathways into naval aviation training at China Naval Aviation University were more restricted. Earlier reports indicated that entry was possible only after completing high school, and that women’s training in carrier-based aviation was not part of the program, with initial focus centered on training female pilots for air force fighter roles rather than naval carrier duties. Analysts and observers have noted that recent changes to recruitment rules for naval aviation may be connected to a broader pilot shortage or a strategic push to diversify and strengthen the navy’s aviation corps.
Context around these changes also appears amid broader discussions about Chinese military aviation and international observers’ assessments of training pipelines. For instance, there have been publicized cases involving former personnel connected to aviation training programs, which have at times drawn attention to the global dimensions of carrier operations. In a related development, a former U.S. Navy pilot, Daniel Duggan, faced legal proceedings related to allegations of aiding Chinese pilot training. Duggan’s case has generated coverage about cross-border training relationships and how skilled personnel transition between services and nations. He spent twelve years in the U.S. Navy, later became an Australian citizen, and eventually renounced U.S. citizenship after moving to Australia, where he has residences and professional ties. Such incidents are frequently cited in discussions about international training exchanges and the sensitive nature of modern military aviation programs. [Citation: South China Morning Post; Dickson, 2023; public reporting on Duggan case]
Overall, the current recruitment push signals a continuing evolution in China’s approach to naval aviation education. By opening carrier-based training to both women and recent graduates, the program reflects a broader aim to broaden the talent pool, embrace diverse skills, and accelerate the development of a highly capable carrier air wing. This shift is part of a longer strategic arc that seeks to enhance naval capabilities, improve readiness for complex carrier operations, and contribute to the modernization agenda that Chinese officials frame as essential to national rejuvenation. [Attribution: SCMP reporting; defense analysis and public coverage of related training programs]