Forging Ahead: Tempering the Blade continues to shine a light on the human stories behind modern defense. In the second episode, an officer from the Aviation Brigade of the People’s Liberation Army’s Ground Force offers a firsthand account of a life-or-death mission to protect the Chinese mainland’s territory.
From the moment he climbed into the cockpit, every decision carried weight. Rigorous training at the brigade’s base set the stage: long nights in simulators, precise drills, and the constant hum of engines ready for action. But nothing matches the intensity of an actual scramble.
On a routine patrol, he encountered an unidentified aircraft pushing into Chinese mainland airspace. With radar blips closing fast, the pilot triggered a rapid ascent, weaving through clouds and relentless winds. The roar of his jet became a backdrop to split-second judgments that could tip the balance between safe return and disaster.
For him, the mission was more than procedure—it was personal. He recalls the moment his heart raced as warning lights flickered, signaling a possible system failure. Back on the ground, he would reunite with family. In the sky, there was no margin for error.
His story underscores a universal truth: behind every high-tech defense system are individuals driven by duty, courage, and the will to protect. As global audiences tune in, this episode bridges the gap between distant borders and the people who stand watch in the sky.
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PLA aviation officer shares story of defending China's territory
cgtn.com
