DRAGON SPITS FIRE IN ZHUHAI

By showcasing a whole range of sophisticated weapon systems and platforms which included new drones, laser-based anti-UAV system, powerful radars and next-generation cruise missiles at the just-concluded Zhuhai air show, China has set very high standards and new challenges for cutting-edge military aviation technologies. A report

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China hosted the Zhuhai air show from November 8 to November 13 for showcasing a wide gamut of next-generation People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) platforms and weapons. Several advanced drones, missiles and the new sixth-generation fighter aircraft concept, were on display at the exhibit. The six-day event, which showcased China's homegrown aviation and space technologies, was held amid a large public presence in the post-Covid era.

On the ground, China showcased the CASIC anti-UAV system, YJ-21 hypersonic missile, JH-7A2 with AFK-98 stand-off cruise missile and YL-5/YJ-1000-1 1,000kg bomb, Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jets, YY-20 tanker aircraft, KJ-500A AEW&C aircraft, FH-97A, Wing Loong-III intercontinental-range drone, Guizhou WZ-7 Soaring Dragon drone, MD-22 near-space reusable aircraft, and WS-19 turbofan engine. Also capturing attention for the first time was the Chengdu WZ10B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The scope and scale of high-end warfighting capability on display was definitely a step-up from previous shows. Following is a sneak peek into the cutting-edge weapon systems displayed at the annual air show.

Intercontinental drone

China has unveiled its latest military drone model– Wing Loong-3, the first model in the family to reach intercontinental range while equipped for aerial self-defence at the event.

This latest version in the Wing Loong drone series can fly a maximum range of 10,000 km at medium altitude and has a 12.2-metre-long main body and a 24-metre wingspan that enable it to fly long-range while carrying heavy payloads. Wing Loong-3 could carry as many as 16 missiles and bombs.