Key facts
- The Zhuhai Air Show began in November 1996.
- The inaugural show featured the J-8IIM fighter with Russian components.
- Russian Su-27 fighters performed a cobra maneuver at the first show.
When Zhuhai hosted its inaugural air show in November 1996, the event showcased the J-8IIM fighter, a second-generation fighter equipped with Russian radar and weapons, alongside a limited line-up of home-made aircraft. Imported planes were the focus and Chinese audiences curiously studied the much more advanced foreign designs. They crowded around two Russian fourth-generation Su-27 fighters and were wowed as the jets performed their famous cobra manoeuvre, sharply braking in mid-air.