China Unveils Advanced Military Technology at Zhuhai Airshow 2024
- China displayed its latest military technologies at the Zhuhai Airshow last week.
- Many of the new Chinese weapons aim to compete with the United States as China modernizes its armed forces and increases its military presence in Asia.
- The six-day airshow attracted nearly 600,000 visitors and received over 280 billion yuan (approximately $39 billion) in global orders.
China Showcases Advanced Military Technology at Zhuhai Airshow
China displayed its latest military technologies at the Zhuhai Airshow last week. This event is significant for showcasing China’s military power and industrial capabilities. International experts used the occasion to evaluate China’s advancements.
Many of the new Chinese weapons aim to compete with the United States as China modernizes its armed forces and increases its military presence in Asia. This year’s exhibition highlighted new fighter jets, missiles, and a dedicated area for drones, reflecting their importance on modern battlefields, particularly in conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential tensions over Taiwan.
The six-day airshow attracted nearly 600,000 visitors and received over 280 billion yuan (approximately $39 billion) in global orders. Russia’s former defense chief also attended the event, signaling international interest.
Notable Weapon Systems Presented
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J-35A Stealth Fighter Jet: The J-35A is China’s newest stealth fighter, developed to compete with the United States’ capabilities. This jet is China’s second stealth fighter, following the J-20. Unlike the single-engine F-35, the J-35A has two engines and a maximum takeoff weight near 30 tons. It can engage in air combat and strike ground and maritime targets using precision-guided munitions.
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HQ-19 Surface-to-Air Missile System: The HQ-19 is a next-generation missile system, compared to the U.S. THAAD system. It’s mounted on a high-mobility vehicle and can carry six interceptor missiles. It reportedly has capabilities against ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles. The system’s radar can track complex trajectories, enhancing its interception capabilities.
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Jetank Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): This large mothership drone can carry six tons of payload and has a wingspan of 25 meters. It can deploy smaller drones into combat, acting like an airborne aircraft carrier.
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Orca JARI-USV-A: Known as the “Orca,” this unmanned surface vessel is stealthy and designed for various sea operations. With a top speed of 40 knots, it’s capable of long missions and can handle both military and non-military tasks, such as patrolling strategic waters.
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PL-15E Air-to-Air Missile: This advanced missile featured folding tailfins for compact storage, making it compatible with stealth fighter jets. The PL-15 has an impressive range of about 200 kilometers and speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, often compared to the U.S. AIM-120 missile.
- Su-57 Fighter Jet: The Su-57 made its debut at the airshow. This advanced Russian jet emphasizes the military cooperation between China and Russia, highlighting their growing collaboration in defense technology.
These advancements indicate China’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and its intentions to compete on a global scale.