Airshow China is back with 3,000 pieces of kit

For 30 years, the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, known as Airshow China or Zhuhai Airshow, has put the latest aircraft in front of the public. This year's show, the 16th, brings the sector's key developments. 

More than 3,000 pieces of equipment will go on display in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, from December 7 to 13. Around 10% will make their debut, organizers said in Beijing on Tuesday.

Expanded exhibition space and international participation

The expo runs across multiple venues, with nearly 150,000 square meters indoors. The outdoor exhibition and support area expands to 335,000 square meters, with extra room for flight demonstrations.

More than 1,100 companies from nearly 50 countries and regions have signed up. 

Air Force shows off its combat kit

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will display operational equipment tested in the field, alongside upgraded systems and capabilities representing emerging combat forces.

The exhibits cover reconnaissance, early warning, air defense, support, airborne operations, unmanned applications, intelligent equipment and munitions – a full picture of the Air Force's modernization.

Flight demos will include formations and maneuvers built around operational needs.

For the first time, the Air Force exhibition will include a dedicated section on digital and intelligent technology. Humanoid robots, digital humans and other tools will be major highlights.

The section will also show advanced applications, including AI-assisted interviews, brain-computer interaction assessments for motion sickness, digital maintenance and intelligent inspection.

Foreign aerobatic teams 

More than 170 aircraft have registered for the main exhibition area, setting a new record for the event.

The Russian Knights of the Russian Aerospace Forces will fly, while the UAE Air Force's Al Fursan aerobatic team has also been invited.

Homegrown aerospace tech to take center stage

A range of Chinese-developed products will be showcased.

Reusable rockets are expected to draw crowds, as China is now one of a handful of countries developing reusable space launch technology.

First maritime display – with active naval vessels

The PLA Navy is taking over nearly a kilometer of coastline at Gaolan Port for its first-ever maritime exhibition area at the airshow. Active-service naval vessels will be on static display, while amphibious armored vehicles and other kit will be on land.

An open day – free entry, pre-book online – will let the public get up close to the country's maritime hardware.

China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) will show off maritime and land-based equipment, including a new 500-tonne-class unmanned vessel. Around 150 exhibits are expected to go on display in the main exhibition area.