Five Key Highlights at China’s Largest Airshow
AFP/APP
Beijing: China’s booming aviation and military prowess will be showcased this week at the country’s largest airshow, set to start on Tuesday.
The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, held in Zhuhai, will feature a range of military and civil aviation technology, including military jets, passenger planes, drones, and weapons systems, some of which are being unveiled to the public for the first time.
Military enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting new insights into the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, while international businesses are hoping to secure deals with Chinese firms. Here are five major highlights to watch for at the event:
- J-35A Multirole Stealth Fighter
Making its anticipated debut, the J-35A is China’s latest stealth fighter, developed primarily for air superiority but equipped with surface attack capabilities.
Smaller and lighter than the J-20 currently in service, the J-35A places emphasis on stealth with its twin-engine design, contrasting with the U.S. F-35’s single-engine setup. The J-35A is intended solely for land-based operations.
- J-15T Carrier-Based Fighter
An enhanced variant of China’s J-15 carrier fighter, the J-15T introduces catapult-launch technology, enabling operations from China’s newer, flat-deck Fujian carrier, in addition to the ski jump-style Liaoning and Shandong carriers.
This model uses Chinese-made WS-10 engines, marking a step towards self-sufficiency in engine production.
- HQ-19 Missile Defense System
The HQ-19 is a mobile, surface-to-air missile system designed for regional ballistic missile interception, with six interceptor missiles mounted on a wheeled chassis. It is comparable to the U.S. THAAD-ER system. Unlike previous missile systems like the HQ-9 and HQ-22, the HQ-19 focuses on missile interception rather than anti-aircraft missions.
- SS-UAV Attack Reconnaissance Drone
Dubbed “Jiu Tian” or “High Sky,” this large jet-powered UAV can deploy smaller drones for a range of missions, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and kinetic strikes. With a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes, it underscores China’s advancements in drone warfare.
