In 1929, a training unit was formed in Nanjing to train Chinese pilots. This event had a positive impact on the further development of the Chinese Air Force.

Since the early 30s, the Chinese government has also paid great attention to military aviation. However, it failed to establish serial production of its combat aircraft. During the clashes with Japan, Chinese Air Force pilots fought on American, British, Soviet and Italian-made aircraft.

The Chinese combat aviation also included I-16 type 10 fighters, which in 1938-1939 were supplied to the Chinese Air Force from the USSR. In the air battles over China, the pilots of the Chinese Air Force proved to be brave and stubborn air fighters, and despite the significant superiority of the Japanese Air Force, managed to inflict significant damage to them.