the corner
New Member
That picture is just PLA regulars doing basic static line parachute qualifications, out of a Mi171 helicopter if my eyes are not deceiving me.
That is a world of difference from a HALO jump, which are typically only conducted by special forces operators on account of the risks involved and the cost of the equipment necessary as well as the lengthen training needed to prepare someone for it.
The PLA guys looks to have modern gear, but I reject the notion that its 'western'. The west does not hold a monopoly on modern or cool looking equipment. Just because the PLA are not using Soviet style equipment does not mean they are adopting a 'western' style either.
I think that the vast majority of PLA pictures and videos officially released are of them using training gear. If and when they are called up for real operational deployments, the equipment the men are issued with a much newer and better.
During the Sichuan earthquake for example, there were a few quick images of PLA airborne recon units jumping in as the first wave and they had some very modern looking equipment.
Mi171???????
the pic taken in a Y8