Şevval Tufan
China’s largest air show, held in Zhuhai from 12-17 November 2024, offered a glimpse of its growing technological strength, serving as a platform for the country to promote its latest military developments. The biennial event, officially called the 15th China International Aerospace Exhibition, welcomed nearly 600,000 visitors and attracted global orders worth about 280 billion yuan ($39 billion).
This year’s expo highlighted China’s goal of modernising its armed forces to rival global military powers, particularly the United States. Highlights included state-of-the-art stealth fighter jets, advanced missile systems, innovative drone technology and even a stealthy unmanned surface ship.
A J-35A stealth fighter jet soars into the sky during its debut at an air show in Zhuhai, China, on 12 November 2024. IMAGE SOURCE: Chen Jimin/China News Service/VCG/Getty Images
Air Show Highlights:
J-35A Stealth Fighter
The J-35A, which was unveiled at the event, is China’s second stealth fighter jet after the J-20, which entered service in 2017. Experts see the twin-engined J-35A as a step towards closing the gap with the US F-35. It is versatile, capable of participating in air combat and carrying advanced ammunition in its internal weapons bay to deliver precision strikes against land and sea targets.
HQ-19 Anti-Ballistic Missile System
The HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system has provoked comparisons with the US THAAD system. Capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles, HQ-19 demonstrates China’s growing defence capabilities. Mounted on high mobility vehicles, the system utilises ‘cold launch’ technology for rapid redeployment, making it a formidable addition to China’s arsenal.
Jetank Drone Mother Ship
Jetank, a massive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a wingspan of 25 metres, attracted attention with its innovative design. The drone, which can carry a payload of up to six tonnes, functions as an aircraft carrier that deploys smaller drones in the air for reconnaissance and combat operations.
PL-15E Air-to-Air Missile
China also displayed the PL-35E, an improved long-range air-to-air missile compatible with stealth aircraft such as the J-15A. With a range of 200 kilometres, the missile is seen as a direct competitor to the US AIM-120.
Su-57 Stealth Fighter
Underlining Sino-Russian military co-operation, Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter jet made its international debut at the air show. The presence of Russia’s former defence minister Sergei Shoigu underlined the close ties between the two countries.
The Zhuhai air show reflected China’s determination to advance its military technology and assert its presence on the global stage. The display of such innovations points to the country’s growing role in shaping future military and geopolitical dynamics.
News Source: CNN News
Image Source: Chen Jimin/China News Service/VCG/Getty Images
