PLA Air Force launches AI-powered biometric screening to recruit next top guns: report

Data-driven assessments and recruiter insights create ‘dual-engine’ selection model to determine physical, mental fitness of candidates, expert says

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AI testing is now a key part of the hiring process in the PLA Air Force as recruiter refine their methods of finding pilots with the right stuff. Photo: EPA-EFE / Xinhua

Published: 5:05pm, 20 Feb 2025

China’s air force has deployed AI-powered biometric tests to screen potential pilots as part of a rigorous hiring process, according to state media.

State broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force had begun using artificial intelligence to assess the biological signals of pilot candidates to determine long-term health risks and human-machine adaptability.

“AI now plays a crucial role in interpreting candidates’ biological signals, revealing underlying health risks that might not be immediately apparent to human evaluators,” the report said. “This data-driven approach allows the air force to predict long-term risks, ultimately ensuring that only the most suitable candidates are chosen.”

The final stage of the pilot selection involves rigorous medical and psychological evaluations. More than 100 tests are conducted to assess a candidate’s health prospects and their ability to adapt to technology.

The PLA Air Force is using AI in its 2025 pilot recruitment drive to assess long-term health risks and human-machine adaptability of candidates. Photo: CCTV

Zhang Yishuang, an expert on PLA Air Force recruitment, said the AI system was now deeply integrated into the process, enabling technology to interpret physical data while human experts focused on personality traits.

“This shift enables a more accurate, comprehensive approach to selecting future pilots, creating a ‘dual-engine’ selection model that blends data intelligence with personal insight,” Zhang told CCTV.