The China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, otherwise known as Airshow China, kicked off yesterday in Zhuhai and will run until November 11.
The six-day celebration of China’s growing prowess in the air is now in it’s 12th edition, having first launched in 1996, and is the nation’s largest airshow. (Airshow China is held once every two years).
Image via @了不起的中国制造/Weibo
Image via @军武菌/Weibo
Image via @复映件/Weibo
Image via @D调水瓶/Weibo
One of the main highlights yesterday was a demo by China’s J-20 jet fighters, which were first unveiled to the public in 2016. China’s Ministry of National Defense revealed earlier this year that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force had begun introducing the ‘multirole fighter aircraft’ into combat units. At the time, an air force spokesperson stated that the J-20 will “help shoulder more responsibilities in maintaining national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” according to Jane’s 360, a defense and intelligence-focused publication.
While
seeing three J-20s blasting through the skies above the Greater Bay
Area yesterday was undoubtedly cool, some have been quick to note the
air show is ‘toned down’ in comparison to earlier years.
According to South China Morning Post, no new warplanes will debut at this year’s show, which has been scaled back due to the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. There are also less international pilots than previous years.
Still, more than 140 planes from China and abroad will be displayed at Airshow China and Air Force Commander Ding Laihang has hailed the event as a way “to enhance military exchanges with their counterparts from 41 countries,” according to SCMP.
Airshow China concludes this Sunday, November 11 with a grand finale to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. If you’re an aviation enthusiast living in the Pearl River Delta, this is an event you do not want to miss!
[Cover image via @军武菌/Weibo]
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