China hosts an airshow every two years. This show allows the country to showcase new military technologies. The event is so important that over 740 enterprises have participated from 43 countries. It has been a platform of international collaboration that has created a market for businesses.
The air show will showcase a variety military aircraft, including a fifth gen stealth fighter and a tanker. It also showcases drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. You can also see Cold War-era missile defense systems and ground weapons. Some of the devices are even capable of leaving the atmosphere, like the XQ-58 drone that flew for the first time last year.
Another new aircraft to look out for is the Xian H-6K bomber, which boasts a longer range and higher accuracy than its predecessors. It is one of the first Chinese aircraft to carry an aero-ballistic missile.
China's domestic aerospace industry has seen great strides in recent years, and this includes the development of large aircraft and helicopters. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China, (CASC), has heavily invested in research-and-development. CASC has been working hard on the AG600M. It's designed to serve as an aircraft that can be used for emergency rescue or firefighting. At the airshow, the company demonstrated the water-dropping functionality of the aircraft to visitors.
Several Chinese military aircraft were on display at the airshow, including the Chengdu J-20 fifth-generation fighter aircraft and the Z-20 utility helicopter. China North Industries Group Corporation Limited is the manufacturer of both these aircraft. It is a state-owned enterprise at national level that produces aircraft and other military hardware.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, (CASC), showcased several military drone projects. CASC has also been actively collaborating with foreign companies and the air show will see a variety of agreement signings, such as a letter of intent for strategic cooperation.
China is the world's fourth-largest arms exporter. It wants to sell drones and warplanes worldwide. China will present its latest weapon systems, including a YU-20 helicopter tanker and a Wing Loong 3 striker drone. Those who attended the airshow have been spoiled for choice, with over 740 enterprises participating in the expo.
Other notable aircraft on display at the airshow include the Caihong-7, or Rainbow 7, a new generation stealth unmanned combat drone. The YY-20 air tanker, which was made for Chinese soldiers to operate, is also on show.
Lastly, the CH-817 mini-attack drone is a portable, 800 gram unmanned aircraft. The drone is intended for troops as it has high speeds and long flight durations. While it's not intended to be used in combat, the CH-817 could one day be equipped to accompany the Chinese J-20 fighter into combat.
Overall, China Air Show is a powerful demonstration of China's determination and will to open its aerospace industries and take back its place on the international stage. The airshow displays new military technologies. It is also a showcase and source of major global attention for a booming country's economy.