China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has introduced AI-powered biometric screening to select its next generation of pilots. The new system analyzes biological signals to assess long-term health risks and human-machine adaptability.
State broadcaster CCTV reported Wednesday that artificial intelligence now plays a critical role in pilot recruitment. The technology helps identify hidden health issues that might not be detected through traditional evaluation methods.
AI-driven assessments provide a data-based approach to screening candidates, improving selection accuracy. The PLAAF aims to ensure that only the most physically and mentally fit candidates advance in the process.
These tests monitor physiological indicators such as heart rate variability and neurological responses. The goal is to predict how well candidates will handle the physical and cognitive demands of modern air combat.
China has been investing heavily in AI-driven military technology, enhancing both recruitment and battlefield capabilities. The use of AI in pilot selection aligns with broader efforts to modernize the country’s armed forces.
Military analysts say AI-powered screening could give China an edge in producing elite fighter pilots. The PLAAF seeks to improve its air combat capabilities as tensions in the Indo-Pacific region continue to rise.
The biometric system evaluates candidates in real time, reducing human bias in the selection process. AI can also track a pilot’s health over time, helping to prevent future performance issues.
China’s focus on AI-enhanced recruitment reflects its long-term strategy to build a high-tech military. The PLAAF is expected to continue expanding its use of AI in both training and operational planning.
This development comes as China accelerates efforts to compete with advanced air forces such as those of the U.S. and its allies. AI-powered pilot screening is seen as a step toward producing world-class fighter pilots more efficiently.
The integration of AI into military recruitment underscores China’s emphasis on technological superiority. Experts believe that this approach could influence other countries to adopt similar AI-driven screening methods.
While AI improves candidate selection, it also raises concerns about data privacy and long-term monitoring of military personnel. Critics warn that reliance on AI could introduce unforeseen challenges, including potential system errors.
Despite these concerns, China continues to push forward with AI applications across its defense sector. The PLAAF’s AI-driven recruitment program is likely to evolve as technology advances further.
As military forces worldwide adopt AI innovations, China’s latest move highlights the growing role of automation in defense strategies. The success of this pilot screening program could set the stage for AI-driven military recruitment worldwide.
