Key facts
- The 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition will be held from December 7 to 13 in Zhuhai.
- This year's airshow will feature a large-scale, concentrated display of active-duty PLA Navy equipment.
- The PLA Air Force will showcase upgraded platforms and new combat capabilities, with several main combat equipment making their debut.
- The event will expand to the maritime domain for the first time, opening a maritime equipment display area.
- The airshow will include displays from the PLA Army and other services.
The 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, also known as the Zhuhai air show, will feature a dedicated naval equipment exhibition area for the first time in its 30-year history. The biennial event, scheduled to take place from December 7 to 13, will showcase active-duty hardware in service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
Organizers announced that the airshow will expand into the maritime domain, establishing a maritime equipment display area at the Gaolan Port in the Zhuhai Economic and Technological Development Zone. This new area will feature static displays of active-duty naval vessels and amphibious armored vehicles along the coastline. The event will also include dynamic demonstrations of naval equipment.
The PLA Air Force will present multiple upgraded platforms and new combat capabilities, with several main combat equipment making their debut at the airshow. The Air Force's exhibits will cover reconnaissance, early warning, air defense, support, airborne operations, unmanned applications, intelligent equipment, and munitions, aiming to highlight the service's equipment renewal and evolving combat system. Flight performances will simulate real combat formations and maneuvers.
The PLA Army and other services will also contribute equipment to the show. The event aims to enhance interactive experiences for the public, including cargo hold tours, photo opportunities with star equipment, and face-to-face exchanges with pilots and technical staff. A new "digital intelligence" section will utilize humanoid robots and virtual digital humans to showcase the Air Force's advancements in AI and unmanned intelligent systems.
The airshow will feature 14 exhibition halls at the main venue, an increase of 12.5% in indoor exhibition space compared to the previous session. Approximately 10% of the exhibits will be making their debut. International aerospace leaders such as Airbus, Boeing, General Electric Aviation, Rolls-Royce, and Embraer are expected to participate.