Aviation enthusiasts are gearing up for China’s biggest air show which begins on Tuesday in the southern city of Zhuhai, in Guangdong province.
The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition – a biennial event also known as Airshow China – will give visitors a glimpse of the country’s expanding aviation industry and military advances.
This year’s show opens a day after the People’s Liberation Army Air Force marks its 75th anniversary. It will also be the first time the air show has been held since China’s tough pandemic restrictions were lifted in 2023.
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Anticipation is building, with the air force and state news agency Xinhua releasing footage of aircraft arriving in Zhuhai.
Here’s what to watch for during the six-day show.
J-35A stealth fighter
The J-35A will take centre stage when it makes its debut in Zhuhai. The air force has described the warplane as a “medium-sized stealth multi-role fighter”, and China will be the second nation after the US to have two stealth fighters in active service. Modelled on the J-31 stealth fighter and resembling the American F-35, the J-35A is designed for airstrip operations rather than aircraft carrier use, expanding the PLA’s air capabilities. However, it is said that a future variant of the J-35 could be carrier-based.
HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile
Also making its first public appearance, the HQ-19 is a new-generation surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles. Each mobile HQ-19 unit, mounted on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, carries six interceptors with integrated launcher tubes and advanced countermeasure technology, setting it apart from other PLA air defence systems like the HQ-9 and HQ-22, which focus primarily on anti-aircraft missions.
SS-UAV attack reconnaissance drone
Dubbed “Jiu Tian” – meaning “high sky” – the SS-UAV is a new jet-powered, 10-tonne unmanned aerial vehicle that can rapidly deploy swarms of smaller drones for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as electronic warfare and kinetic strikes. It also has features resembling those of the American A-10 Warthog and Vietnam-era OV-10 Bronco, and has already been seen near regional hotspots including the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait and along the Chinese border with India.
Z-20 armed helicopter
The long-anticipated attack variant of the Z-20 utility helicopter is equipped with an electro-optical sensor and external wings for weaponry. It can support assault, anti-submarine warfare, patrol and reconnaissance missions, and according to its chief designer, the upgraded helicopter could also be able to perform aerial refuelling.
J-15T carrier-based fighter
The PLA Navy will unveil the J-15T – expected to be a 4.5-generation aircraft – at the Zhuhai show. The J-15T is an upgraded carrier-based fighter jet with advanced AESA (or active electronic scanning array) radar and the latest airborne weaponry. It can launch from catapult-equipped aircraft carriers like the Fujian, which is currently at the sea trial stage. The J-15T was also part of drills conducted by the country’s two active carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, in the South China Sea in October.
J-20 stealth fighter
The J-20 is the other half of China’s stealth fighter line-up, alongside the J-35. Initially outmatched, this heavy-duty fifth-generation warplane now rivals the American F-22 in capabilities, with reports suggesting it has penetrated Taiwan’s defences undetected. With mass production under way, the J-20 could gain an advantage in attrition warfare, particularly if the US does not resume production of the F-22. While the J-20 is dedicated to air superiority, the versatile J-35A can conduct both air superiority and diverse ground and maritime strikes.
Su-57 stealth fighter
Russia has brought its most advanced fighter jet, the Su-57, to Zhuhai for its first overseas air show, a move signalling closer China-Russia cooperation to the West. The Su-57’s thrust vectoring control allows extreme manoeuvrability. The Russian Knights aerobatic team is also set to perform with Su-35S and Su-30SM jets in their first appearance at the air show in eight years.
J-16D electronic warfare fighter
Unveiled in 2021, the J-16D, equipped with multiple jamming pods, enhances electromagnetic control in combat. It is designed to operate with the J-20, J-16 and J-10C fighter jets to achieve air superiority, especially across the Taiwan Strait.
What else?
The public will also get a chance to see the cargo hold of the Y-20 heavy transport aircraft for the first time. And the Y-20, alongside the IL-76 heavy transport plane and YY-20A air tanker, will perform aerial displays and be on static display.
Other warplanes on show include the H-6K bomber and KJ-500A early warning aircraft. In addition to advanced drones, weapons systems and electronic warfare technologies, China’s commercial aviation ambitions will also be on display through state-owned plane maker Comac.
More from South China Morning Post:
- Chinese navy to show off its warplanes for first time at Zhuhai air show
- Is China’s military ready to unveil its second stealth fighter at Zhuhai air show?
- China to import Russian tech and expertise to boost low-altitude defences: state media
- Updated Chinese J-15 fighter jet spotted in aircraft carrier drill footage
- Xi Jinping visits PLA paratroopers whose mission is to ‘liberate Taiwan’
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