The 16th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, known as the Zhuhai Airshow, is set to take place from December 7 to 13 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. As the largest defense exhibition in China, the biennial event will feature an unprecedented scope of military hardware from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its associated defense contractors, highlighting the country’s ongoing military modernization efforts.
For the first time, the airshow will include a dedicated naval equipment exhibition area at Gaolan Port, allowing for large-scale displays of active-duty vessels and maritime hardware currently in service with the PLA Navy. The naval section will occupy nearly one kilometer of shoreline, showcasing warships and amphibious armored vehicles on land, signaling China’s growing emphasis on enhancing its naval capabilities. The PLA Southern Theatre Command, overseeing operations in the South China Sea, is among the supporting organizations involved in this year’s event.
Major General Gao Xiang, deputy head of the Political Work Department of the PLA Air Force, highlighted that the air force will exhibit a diverse array of combat-proven equipment already widely deployed, along with upgraded variants and new combat systems. These displays will cover reconnaissance, early warning, air defense, combat support, airborne units, unmanned systems, intelligent platforms, and munitions. Gao noted that the air force’s flight demonstrations will include realistic combat formations and maneuvers aimed at showcasing training proficiency and operational capabilities. Visitors will also have access to immersive activities such as cargo cabin tours and direct interactions with pilots and technical experts.
The exhibition will span three venues in total: the main exhibition area at the air show center, a drone-focused display at Lianzhou, and the maritime exhibition at Gaolan Port. This layout aims to provide visitors with more spacious areas for viewing the expanding range of showcased equipment. More than 3,000 individual pieces of military hardware will be displayed, with about 10 percent making their public debut. The event will also set a record by exhibiting over 170 aircraft.
Representatives from major state-owned defense firms confirmed plans to present extensive portfolios of weaponry and technology. China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), a key missile manufacturer, will unveil nearly 100 exhibits, including a new integrated air defense system combining the HQ-9BE long-range and FK-3 medium-to-long-range missile systems. This system integrates multiband early-warning and detection equipment with multi-tier command and control networks, aiming to create a layered defense architecture covering a range of distances. CASIC will also present an upgraded counter-drone system combining short-range missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, micro missiles, and laser technologies.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) will showcase over 370 products, a more than 30 percent increase from the previous edition. Its exhibits include complete aircraft, airborne systems, advanced technologies, and export-oriented platforms, with nearly 40 percent of these items being unveiled for the first time. AVIC will also emphasize a comprehensive combat system designed for international markets.
The airshow will host international participants and exhibitors, featuring companies from countries including France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and the United States. Notable aerospace firms such as Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer will be present. Aero display teams are set to perform, including the PLA Air Force’s August 1st aerobatic team, Russia’s Russian Knights, and the United Arab Emirates’ Al Fursan.
Alongside equipment displays, a dedicated drone exhibition area will feature counter-drone demonstrations showcasing several new types of anti-drone systems, reflecting growing attention to emerging warfare technologies.
Overall, this year’s Zhuhai Airshow is designed to provide a comprehensive view of China’s advancing air, naval, and technological capabilities while facilitating interaction between the military, industry, and the public.