The People’s Liberation Army Air Force, or PLAAF, is growing rapidly in both quality and quantity each year. In just a few decades, China’s air force has evolved from a supporting service focused on the defense of China into a potent force that can project power beyond the First Island Chain. Spread across five theater air force commands within China, PLAAF airbases host advanced fighters, bombers, transports and special mission aircraft, as well as uncrewed systems. Unlike the U.S. Air Force, the PLAAF also incorporates all of China’s long-range surface-to-air missiles, mobile and fixed radar, and airborne infantry forces. This first iteration of the China Air Power Tracker focuses on PLAAF core capabilities – its airbases, aircraft, and surface-to-air missiles.
Weapons & Platforms
Explore the latest open-source information on PLA Air Force fighters, bombers, special mission aircraft, UAVs, and air defense systems. Each platform page also includes links to related coverage and reports from Air & Space Forces Magazine and the Mitchell Institute, providing key context on China’s airpower capabilities.
Interactive Map
Use the China Airpower Tracker’s interactive map to visualize how the PLAAF is arrayed at its airbases and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites across China. The map displays the PLAAF’s normal operating bases for aircraft and SAMs. Aircraft can and will relocate to other airbases during exercises and operations. All PLAAF SAMs are road-mobile and relocatable to increase survivability in a conflict.