The international community's focus is usually set on the current situation of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, its structure, order of battle and the latest types in service. Consequently - and in order to commemorate the service's 70th anniversary on 11 November 2019 - this book re-focuses on its history since the establishment of the Peop

Much of the fascination that Chinese military aviation holds for the analyst and enthusiast stems from the thick veil of secrecy that surrounds it. This uniquely compact yet comprehensive directory serves as a magnificently illustrated, in-depth analysis and directory of modern Chinese air power. It is organized in three parts: the most important military aircraft and their weapons found in Chinese service today; aircraft markings and serial number systems; and orders of battle for the People's Liberation Army Air Force and Naval Air Force. The study includes the latest developments emerging from behind the 'Bamboo Curtain', including the J-20 stealth fighter program and other indigenous projects that are equipping a rapidly modernizing air arm. The centerpiece consists of almost 100 fully illustrated pages detailing the organizational structure of the Air Force and Naval Aviation, providing an easy-to-use review of all known flying units, their equipment and their markings. No other book has ever attempted to present this level of accuracy in this way: 'Modern Chinese Air Power' portrays the PLAAF and the PLANAF in a degree of detail that was previously unavailable.

Presents revised and edited papers from a October 2010 conference held in Taipei on the Chinese Air Force. The conference was jointly organized by Taiwan?s Council for Advanced Policy Studies, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the U.S. National Defense University, and the RAND Corporation. This books offers a complete picture of where the Chinese air force is today, where it has come from, and most importantly, where it is headed.

"This volume ... takes a look at the military airpower functions that emerged during World War I, and then examines the development of airpower doctrine in seven nations that developed major military air arms during and after the first World War. They are: France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, the Union of Soviet Socialist States (USSR), and the United States of America ... The text also reviews the use of military airpower in conflicts that took place between the two world wars"--Page xi.

The authors maintain that the constrained strategic thinking in China about the role of airpower and force modernization will affect the ability of The Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force to become a credible offensive threat against the U.S. or its Asian allies.

The book reviews the actual effectiveness of military air power in accomplishing desired military and political goals in a number of conflicts following WWII. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, U.S. air power attempted a re-run of WWII aerial activities. However, in both conflicts, political constraints prevented the United States from achieving its desired political results, although the 1972 B-52 strategic bombing campaign against Hanoi worked to bring the North Vietnamese back to the negotiating table. The Falklands/Malvinas War pitted the UK against Argentina in a remote corner of the South Atlantic. Air power allowed a U.K victory, barely. The USSR held air supremacy over Afghanistan but was unable to subdue tough Afghan guerrillas, and was finally forced to withdraw after Stinger missiles were introduced. The Gulf War demonstrated the increasing effectiveness of precision aerial weaponry. The conflict in Kosovo finally produced a result long sought by air power enthusiasts-an end to fighting brought about by air attack alone.

Drawing upon the comprehensive presentation of the equipment and organisation of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF)...this study offers an overview of potential military conflicts along the borders of the People's Republic of China (PRC).