Multinational Joint Training: He Discovered and Intercepted the Target from a Long Distance, Hitting the "Enemy Aircraft" on the First Attempt

The roar of engines grew louder as several fighter jets swooped in. At the site of an Air Force assessment, the aircraft landed steadily one after another on the runway.

The first to return was Captain Bu Jiawen, the squadron leader of a certain unit of the Air Force. In his 18 years of service, Bu Jiawen has successfully completed dozens of major training missions and has been recognized by the Central Military Commission as a "Model Individual for Military Readiness," awarded the title of "Most Beautiful Revolutionary Soldier of the New Era," and has received second-class merit once and third-class merit twice.

"The growth of a pilot is never-ending," Bu Jiawen said firmly. "Only by breaking limits and reshaping oneself time and again can one seize victory."

"One must train in harsh environments regularly."

The Air Force's "Aerial Iron Fist" square in the barracks is a place Bu Jiawen often visits. In the center of the square stands a bronze-colored sculpture of an iron fist.

More than 70 years ago, the predecessors of this unit fought on the battlefield of the Korean War, shooting down or damaging 68 enemy aircraft, forging the renowned "Aerial Iron Fist Spirit."

Practice is the best inheritance. Every time he sits in the cockpit, Bu Jiawen motivates himself: "As a bearer of the 'Aerial Iron Fist Spirit,' I must be capable and courageous like the heroes of the Korean War air battles!"

One year, Bu Jiawen received orders to pilot a fighter jet out of the country for a joint training mission.

With multiple countries' aircraft competing, how could he gain the upper hand? How could he win with fewer against more? Faced with many challenges, Bu Jiawen calmed himself and, together with his comrades, simulated and analyzed each scenario, thoroughly studying platform performance to seek victory.

In conditions without situational support or command guidance, Bu Jiawen remained calm, detecting and intercepting targets from a distance, hitting the first shot, delivering a "iron fist" blow to the "enemy." He then quickly directed his wingman to adjust formation, successfully "shooting down" a second "enemy aircraft."

"War does not choose to occur in fair weather," Bu Jiawen often tells young pilots. "One must train in harsh environments regularly to remain unflustered in battle." Over the years, he and his comrades have repeatedly ascended to high plateaus, flown over vast deserts, and crossed island chains, their flight ranges growing farther, and their confidence in victory increasing.

"Maintain a spirited attitude and keep pace with equipment upgrades."

Trainer-8, J-7, J-10... A row of aircraft models is neatly arranged in Bu Jiawen's dormitory bookshelf. These are all the types he has flown, marking his growth from a trainee to a combatant and commander.

Among his peers, Bu Jiawen has set multiple records: the first to solo, the first to complete the conversion to third-generation aircraft, to take on combat readiness duties, and the first to fly thousands of kilometers to land at a plateau airport, becoming the youngest squadron leader in his unit...

More than a decade ago, when he first entered the Air Force Aviation University, Bu Jiawen began systematically studying aviation theory, navigation calculations, aerial tactical meteorology, and hundreds of specialized courses. Classmates recall often seeing Bu Jiawen in the study room during breaks, meticulously organizing knowledge points, with textbooks filled with dense notes. To master a complex maneuver, Bu Jiawen once "flew" on a simulator for several hours continuously; when instructors advised him to take a break, he replied, "If I don't practice the maneuver perfectly, I can't sleep soundly."

This tenacity has accompanied him into combat units.

"In recent years, the iteration and upgrade of weaponry and combat concepts have accelerated, and if one is not careful, they will fall behind," Bu Jiawen said. "The motivation to learn actually comes from pressure; I often push myself to maintain a spirited attitude and keep pace with equipment upgrades."

During a unit equipment system update, he happened to be on a mission. When he returned to the unit to participate in confrontation training again, what was once a "sure win" turned into being unilaterally "crushed" by the opponent. The gap was evident, and a sense of urgency struck his heart.

"To become an excellent pilot, one must always maintain an offensive posture and continuously enrich oneself." During those days, Bu Jiawen worked overtime, pulling his comrades to study and practice repeatedly, ultimately achieving great success in the phase training.

His comrades witnessed Bu Jiawen's growth. Squadron instructor Xu Junwei said that over the years, young pilots have gradually taken their positions and pursued their dreams in the sky under Bu Jiawen's influence, embodying the same qualities: earnestness, eagerness to learn, and resilience.

"On the road to a strong military, there will always be companions."

"Why choose this moment to turn?" "If the alarm goes off, do you have a backup plan?" During flight debriefings, Bu Jiawen continuously posed questions to young pilots.

"In the past, pilots might have been more accustomed to thinking about air combat from an individual perspective," Bu Jiawen said. "Now, one must place themselves in the 'big chessboard' of joint victory."

After each flight, another "battle" begins in the debriefing room. Bu Jiawen and his comrades analyze data for each flight, reconstructing the decision-making chain of tactical actions, followed by cross-validation and confrontation simulations.

During training breaks, Bu Jiawen leads a research group into simulators and data interpretation rooms, deeply studying the technical boundaries of existing equipment, refining the experiences and methods accumulated during training into verifiable and reusable tactical regulations.

During teaching, Bu Jiawen hands the front cockpit over to young pilots while he sits in the rear cockpit. Pilot Guo Jingyuan said that unlike his usual fiery demeanor, Bu Jiawen's tone in the cockpit is gentle, and his explanations of technical essentials are clear and organized. "With him behind me, I feel particularly at ease."

Being awarded the title of "Most Beautiful Revolutionary Soldier of the New Era" has greatly inspired Bu Jiawen and his comrades. "This honor does not belong solely to the individual but to the group that has long stood guard at the forefront of air defense, silently contributed to training and readiness, and dared to be the first in tactical innovation," Bu Jiawen said. "On the road to a strong military, there will always be companions. A large number of excellent young pilots are growing into the backbone of future aerial command."

Recently, Bu Jiawen returned to his alma mater, Jiujiang No. 1 High School in Jiangxi Province. Facing over a thousand younger students, he shared his growth story: "The most valuable struggle of youth is never just about pursuing personal excellence, but about integrating ideals with the times and dedicating youth to the motherland."

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"Most Beautiful Revolutionary Soldier of the New Era"

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Source: People's Daily (September 12, 2026, Page 04), Original Title: "Captain Bu Jiawen of a Certain Air Force Aviation Unit - Above the Clouds, Responding with Victory (Most Beautiful Revolutionary Soldier of the New Era)," Reporter: Ren Tongtong; Video, Images: CCTV Military, China Military Number