China’s Zhuhai air show to feature first-ever dedicated naval equipment display

For the first time, China's largest annual air show, the Zhuhai air show, will feature a dedicated exhibition area for naval equipment this year, marking the event's 30th anniversary. Organizers said the biennial show, co-hosted by the Guangdong provincial government and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, will display active-duty naval hardware in service with China's navy.

The show, set to take place in the southern coastal city of Zhuhai from December 7 to 13, will expand by 12.5% in indoor exhibition space, with over 3,000 pieces of equipment displayed, including about 10% making their debut. The naval equipment exhibition area will occupy nearly 1km of shoreline at Gaolan Port, featuring static displays of active-duty warships and land-based equipment such as amphibious armored vehicles.

The PLA Southern Theatre Command is among the supporting organizations. Major General Gao Xiang, deputy director of the PLA Air Force's political work department, said the exhibition would showcase major combat equipment, including reconnaissance, early warning, air defense, support, unmanned applications, intelligent equipment, and munitions.

New types of anti-drone systems will also make their debut in the dedicated drone exhibition area. Chinese aerospace giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation will stage its largest-ever display of heavy-lift launch vehicles and reusable rockets. The exhibition will feature dedicated sections for exhibitors from France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and the United States, including Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer.

The PLA Air Force's August 1st aerobatic team, the Russian Aerospace Forces' Russian Knights, and the United Arab Emirates' Al Fursan aerobatic team are set to perform at the event.