After several years, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has taken a new step in modernizing its recruitment program by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its selection process. As part of the pilot selection for 2025, AI has been integrated as a key tool to optimize the process, utilizing advanced technologies and algorithms to more accurately assess candidates.
According to a report, in recent years, the introduction of new weapon systems, including aircraft and advanced equipment, has created the need for higher physical and psychological standards for personnel. Pilots must be capable of managing the physical stress and cognitive overload associated with modern fighter jets. In addition to physical exertion, they must handle multiple complex systems, including navigation, weapon targeting, and communication, all while maintaining situational awareness in high-pressure scenarios.
This initiative by the Chinese Air Force, aimed at improving the accuracy of candidate selection, is being applied at various stages of the process, including medical and psychological evaluations. Performing multiple functions, AI is used to conduct assessments, analyze data, and serve as a bridge for human-machine collaboration by interpreting candidates’ physical signals, uncovering psychological traits, and predicting long-term risks.
Based on big data and optimized algorithms, AI can form a decision-making system to assist in the recruitment of pilots by identifying talented candidates and filtering out those with hidden deficiencies, stated Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, to the Global Times on Wednesday. In this regard, the final phase of pilot selection includes more than 100 different tests, where the long-term health and adaptability of the candidates are predicted and thoroughly evaluated.
Finally, artificial intelligence, with its application in military organizations, is becoming an increasingly common reality worldwide. For example, last year, the British Army adopted locally developed AI technology to quickly analyze medical documents of potential recruits, making the process faster and more efficient compared to traditional manual evaluations. Meanwhile, in September, the Washington-based Defense Post reported that the U.S. Army had launched AI tools, such as the “Recruit 360,” which, according to the military, were used to analyze 30 million applicant files by applying 1,700 variables to identify individuals with a high propensity to serve.
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