China Airshow to be Held in December, Over 3,000 Exhibits, Multiple Types of Military Equipment to Make a Grand Debut in Zhuhai

[Global Times reporter Guo Yuandan, Global Times special correspondent Ren Zhong] Each China Airshow always attracts the attention of global media and military enthusiasts. At the press conference held on the 13th, a reporter from the Global Times learned that the 16th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition will be held in Zhuhai from December 7 to 13, with a record exhibition scale. Nearly 1,100 enterprises from almost 50 countries and regions will participate, showcasing over 3,000 pieces of equipment, with about 10% being "debut" and "first show" items. Which new main battle equipment of the Chinese Air Force will make its debut? What new experiences will the newly established maritime equipment display area bring to visitors? Experts interviewed by the Global Times stated that the China Airshow is a "national window" for China's aerospace and defense technology independent innovation achievements, as well as an important platform for countries around the world to conduct technical exchanges, economic and trade negotiations, and peaceful dialogue, carrying profound significance for promoting the development of the aerospace industry and maintaining regional peace and stability.

About 10% of the exhibits are "debut" and "first show" items

As the only international professional aerospace exhibition approved by the State Council of China, the China Airshow is held every two years. Since its inception in 1996, the China Airshow has successfully held fifteen sessions, becoming one of the top five aerospace and defense events in the world. AFP has referred to the biennial China Airshow as a platform for China to showcase its latest achievements and progress in both civil and military aviation.

According to reports, this year's airshow will have a record exhibition scale, an expanding breadth of international cooperation, and an accelerated extension of performance dimensions. Over 3,000 pieces of equipment will be exhibited, with about 10% being "debut" and "first show" items. More than 170 aircraft will be displayed in the main exhibition area.

The equipment exhibited by the People's Liberation Army Air Force is the "highlight" of each China Airshow. During the 2024 airshow, the official debut of the J-35A will become the headline of international media. Gao Xiang, deputy director of the Air Force Political Work Department, introduced at the press conference that the equipment exhibited at this airshow covers air force reconnaissance, early warning, air defense, support, airborne, unmanned applications, as well as intelligent equipment and munitions, fully presenting the achievements of the air force's equipment upgrades and the continuous improvement of its combat system.

"There will be a collective appearance of mature main battle equipment that has been tested in practice, as well as public displays of various upgraded equipment and new combat capabilities." Gao Xiang stated that some of the equipment has breakthroughs in model and quantity, while others have innovations in air-ground coordination and display methods. The proportion of new combat capabilities exhibited has increased, and various main battle equipment will make their debut at the China Airshow. "These pieces of equipment will not only provide visual shock to the audience but will also fully reflect the enhancement of the air force's combat readiness and capabilities, showcasing the achievements of the air force's modernization."

A military commentator who has participated in the China Airshow multiple times told a Global Times reporter that as an advanced fighter jet independently developed by China, the J-10CE has already secured overseas orders, and this model has always been the focus of attention at the airshow. This year, the way and mode in which the J-10 series will be presented is also highly anticipated. The U.S. Military Watch Magazine recently stated that over the past decade, China's reputation in military aviation has significantly improved.

It is reported that this year's airshow will also set up a "digital intelligence" section for the first time, utilizing humanoid robots, virtual digital humans, etc., to create a technological and intelligent exhibition experience environment, focusing on showcasing the latest achievements in "digital intelligence air force" construction, artificial intelligence applications, and unmanned intelligent collaboration.

First maritime equipment display area established

Notably, this year's China Airshow has constructed a "one exhibition, three areas" pattern: from the main exhibition area at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center to the Gaolan Port maritime equipment display area and the Lianzhou unmanned equipment display area, extending the display of active equipment to the sea, forming a comprehensive display system that integrates air, space, sea, and land. "This year's airshow has expanded the maritime dimension for the first time, establishing the Gaolan maritime equipment display area, achieving a large-scale concentrated appearance of the navy's active equipment," said Zhang Hu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor, at the press conference.

Military expert Zhang Junsha, in an interview with a Global Times reporter, stated that this year's airshow has expanded the maritime dimension for the first time, extending the display dimension from "sky" to "sea surface," achieving a comprehensive defense display of "land, sea, air, and space," making the exhibition pattern of the airshow more three-dimensional and comprehensive.

At the 15th China Airshow held in 2024, the Chinese Navy organized its first real equipment participation in the airshow, where various active equipment, including the domestically produced J-15T carrier-based fighter, Z-9F carrier-based anti-submarine helicopter, and Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, made their public debut. After two years, the navy will once again make a significant appearance with maritime equipment. "This marks a qualitative change in the navy's participation from 'testing the waters' to 'settling in,' which is of great significance," said Zhang Junsha.

This expert further analyzed that relying on the deep-water conditions of Gaolan Port, the public can observe up close, achieving a leap from "looking at models over the railing" to "immersive experience of real vessels," effectively enhancing the exhibition effect and strengthening the intuitive understanding of the navy's modernization. "Through the China Airshow, an international defense event, the navy will comprehensively showcase its vigorous demeanor of strengthening maritime capabilities and preparing for combat, further enhancing public awareness and influence of naval equipment."

"The concentrated display of naval equipment provides an excellent platform for international military and political circles, defense sectors, and professionals to closely contact and understand China's advanced naval equipment, fully demonstrating the practical effectiveness of the Chinese navy's equipment, which helps enhance the influence and competitiveness of Chinese naval equipment in the international defense field," Zhang Junsha stated.

Internationalization is more prominent

"Since we first participated in 1996, we have fully engaged in the entire development process of the China Airshow." Hao Changfeng, spokesperson of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and head of the corporate culture department, told a Global Times reporter that over the past 30 years, the company has gradually expanded from a small number of scattered exhibits to now covering the entire spectrum of "missiles, rockets, satellites, ships, and devices," extending into new fields, new scenarios, and new business formats such as commercial aerospace, low-altitude economy, and space intelligence. "The changes in exhibits reflect the remarkable achievements of China's aerospace industry over decades of leapfrog development, vividly demonstrating China's step-by-step progress from a major aerospace country to a strong aerospace power."

The aforementioned military commentator, who has participated in the China Airshow multiple times, told a Global Times reporter that for the Chinese military, the China Airshow is an important window to showcase the achievements of modernization. In the 30 years of development of the China Airshow, it has long been beyond merely showcasing the air force's main battle equipment; the ground combat system is also full of highlights, with export tanks, armored vehicles, air defense equipment, anti-drone systems, and various advanced drones all making appearances. This year's airshow will also welcome the participation of the navy's main battle vessels. It can be said that from space and air to ground, sea, and even underwater, various advanced defense products can be prominently displayed at the airshow.

"The China Airshow has built a professional platform for the display and exchange of aviation and aerospace technology and products. Domestic and foreign enterprises enhance mutual understanding, learn from each other, and conduct in-depth professional exchanges, allowing them to intuitively grasp the latest development trends and technical standards in the fields of commercial and military aviation," this commentator stated.

This year's China Airshow will be an international aerospace and defense event, with a more prominent international flavor. The exhibition scale of delegations from countries such as Russia, the United States, France, and Germany has expanded, and enterprises from countries along the "Belt and Road" such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Singapore are deeply involved. Companies like Embraer and Russian Helicopters will showcase their star models, while global aviation giants like Airbus and Boeing are eager to participate.

Wu Zetong, director of the Zhuhai Executive Committee of the China Airshow and mayor of Zhuhai, introduced at the press conference that the blue sky performance lineup of this year's airshow is worth looking forward to. The Russian Aerospace Forces "Warriors" aerobatic team has officially signed on, and the UAE Air Force "Knights" aerobatic team will also perform at the invitation. This marks the participation of two foreign military aerobatic teams in the China Airshow again since 2016, and they will join the Chinese Air Force August 1st Aerobatic Team to present a "Blue Sky Ballet."