Tue Nov 12 11:00:00 UTC 2024: ## China’s J-35A Makes Public Debut at Zhuhai Airshow, Showcasing Military Might

**Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China** – The 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) opened its doors on November 12th, attracting global attention with a plethora of cutting-edge aircraft and military technology.

This year’s highlight was the public debut of China’s J-35A stealth fighter, marking a significant milestone for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The J-35A, along with the already established J-20 stealth fighter, makes China the second country after the United States to possess two stealth fighters.

The event also saw the first-ever appearance of the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter in China, a testament to growing Sino-Russian military cooperation. Both the J-35A and the Su-57 were on display alongside the J-20, showcasing a formidable trio of stealth aircraft.

In addition to the star-studded lineup of stealth fighters, the PLAAF showcased a range of equipment, including the Hong-19 surface-to-air missile system and new reconnaissance-strike drones. The event also marked the first public display of the cargo hold of the Y-20 transport plane, allowing visitors to experience the aircraft’s capabilities firsthand.

The PLA Navy also made a strong showing, with a variety of aircraft taking to the skies, including the J-15T and J-15D carrier-borne fighters, as well as the Z-20 carrier-borne helicopter. This marked the first time the navy showcased its newest aircraft, highlighting the rapid development of China’s naval aviation force.

The event also emphasized the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. A dedicated “China Airshow Zone 2” showcased various unmanned platforms, including the JARI-USV-A “Orca” unmanned combat vessel. This vessel, developed by China Shipbuilding Group, is a 500-ton vessel capable of independent or combined operations with naval fleets. It boasts a range of advanced features, including a helicopter deck, vertical launch systems, and phased-array radar.

The event also saw the unveiling of several new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the “Nine Heavens” heavy-duty reconnaissance-strike drone and the Rainbow-7 stealth drone, which is currently in the engineering development phase.

In the aerospace sector, the event showcased several significant developments, including the Chang’e-6 lunar probe, which brought back lunar soil samples from the Moon’s far side. Other highlights included the Long March 8A launch vehicle, Long March 12 series launch vehicles, and the heavy-duty reusable rocket model.

With its diverse range of exhibits and dynamic flight performances, Airshow China 2023 underscored China’s growing technological prowess and its ambitions in the aerospace and military sectors. The event provided a valuable platform for showcasing China’s progress and its commitment to innovation and development.

Read More