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Home Posts Unmanned Systems and Air Defense: Insights From China’s Mega Exhibition

Unmanned Systems and Air Defense: Insights From China’s Mega Exhibition
Tami Goldenberg
20 November, 2024

The China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, known as the Zhuhai Airshow (named after the city in southern China), took place in mid-November. This biennial exhibition, first launched in 1996 and now held annually in recent years, is the biggest and most important of its kind in China and among the largest in the world. The exhibition showcases China’s military and civilian developments, and, despite its name, also includes ground and naval systems alongside aerial and space-related technologies. Beyond demonstrating impressive capabilities, the exhibition aims to promote the export of these systems. However, in recent years, there’s been no significant increase in Chinese arms exports. Although China ranks as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, it holds only about 5.8% of the global arms export market (the majority going to Pakistan), compared to the US, which accounts for 42%.

At this year’s exhibition, in addition to the visually striking fifth-generation fighter jets showcased by China (and the Su-57 from Russia), various unmanned systems, as well as air defense and detection systems—including those designed to counter missiles and UAVs— were among the more interesting military categories. Among the other highlights were autonomous combat systems for infantry support, systems for launching and commanding swarms of drones/UAVs, electronic warfare systems, and a range of advanced missiles.

Notably, the exhibition officially unveiled the J-20S—a new two-seat variant of the well-known operational Chinese stealth fighter jet—and the J-35A, a second Chinese-made stealth fighter jet, likely intended for export. In the air defense category, the HQ-19 missile system, described as China’s equivalent to the American THAAD system and designed for intercepting ballistic missiles, was presented. Additionally, interception systems (mainly against UAVs and drones), such as the FK-4000, which uses microwave technology and has a range of up to approximately 3 km, were showcased.

The exhibition also featured models of futuristic systems, such as the unmanned spaceplane Haolong-1 and prototypes like XPENG’s flying car. So far, reported deals from the exhibition have amounted to around $38 billion, a significant portion of which involves civilian passenger aircraft like the C-909/919, primarily purchased by Chinese airlines.

The exhibition was attended by Russia’s secretary of the Security Council and various military delegations from numerous countries, including the Middle East. This aspect warrants Israeli attention, as the issue of Chinese arms exports to Middle Eastern countries occasionally arises—particularly when the US is unwilling to sell advanced weapons to regional states. The J-35A, for example, could serve as a viable alternative for potential customers in the region.

Topics: Israel-China Policy Center - The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation
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