Two PLA Naval Aviators Die During Frontline Training Exercises

Two Chinese military pilots, including a high ranking tactical commander, were killed during frontline flight training exercises in June, according to a report by the South China Morning Post, citing local government notices and regional media reports.

Beijing has not officially announced the deaths, and it remains unclear whether the two pilots were involved in the same accident.

One of the pilots, Senior Colonel Fang Ming, 38, served as a tactical commander in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command Naval Aviation unit. According to local media, Fang died during a flight training exercise on June 10.

A memorial service was held in his hometown of Lujiang County in Anhui Province on July 3, attended by more than 200 people, including personnel from his military unit. Local authorities said Fang had been posthumously recognised as a martyr. During his career, he received a third-class merit award in 2018 and a second-class merit award in 2022 for combat-readiness and training.

A colleague quoted in a local government tribute described Fang as an officer who consistently volunteered for the most demanding operational and training missions.

The second pilot, First Lieutenant Shi Shaoyong, 25, also served under the PLA Southern Theatre Command Naval Aviation unit. According to reports, he died during a night flight training mission on the same day, June 10.

Shi, who came from Yishui County in Shandong Province, joined the PLA Navy in 2019 and served in Unit 91911. Local media reported that he had volunteered to serve on the South China Sea front line after graduation and had also been awarded a third-class merit before being recognised as a martyr.

Authorities have not disclosed whether Fang and Shi were flying the same aircraft or participating in the same exercise. There has also been no official information on the type of aircraft involved or the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

China rarely publicises military fatalities, particularly those occurring during training exercises. The reported deaths come as the PLA continues to intensify combat-oriented training while modernising its forces and introducing new aircraft, tactics and operational capabilities aimed at preparing for future conflicts.