Bomber squadron earns 'Role Model' honor

Famed PLA unit doesn't shy away when confronted by enemy aircraft

Mustafa Ali, a young pilot who serves on a bomber unit in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, recalled that his first close encounter with foreign combat aircraft was a real test of will and skills.

It was an armed patrol over international waters in early 2022, and the Uygur aviator was piloting his H-6K strategic bomber when a foreign fighter jet appeared on the aircraft's radar.

Alarm began to resonate inside the cockpit as the jet continued to approach and used weapon radar to lock onto the Chinese bomber.

"The foreign plane was flying very close to mine, and at some points, I could clearly see the face of its pilot and the missiles under the plane's wings," Mustafa said.

However, the Chinese pilot did not flinch and continued to fly his H-6K on its planned route while closely monitoring the jet's actions.

After a while, the foreign pilot abandoned its attempt at intimidation and flew away, Mustafa recalled.