Airshow China 2026 to showcase 3,000-plus exhibits, naval vessels

The Red Eagle Aerobatic Team of the Aviation University of Air Force performs at the 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on Nov. 12, 2024. Photos by Xinhua

The 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, will feature more than 3,000 exhibits, including new military aircraft, unmanned systems and naval vessels, when it opens in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on Dec. 7, organizers announced today.

The seven-day event, running through Dec. 13, is expected to bring together more than 1,100 companies from nearly 50 countries and regions, with approximately 10% of the exhibits making their debut, according to a press conference held in Beijing.

This year's exhibition, which marks the airshow's 30th anniversary, will expand to three exhibition areas, featuring new military equipment, naval vessels, unmanned systems and advanced aerospace technologies.

A press conference on the 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition is held in Beijing today.

Expanded displays across three venues

The biennial event will feature a new three-area exhibition format, comprising the main venue at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center, a maritime exhibition area at Gaolan Port and an unmanned equipment demonstration area in Lianzhou.

Indoor exhibition space will cover nearly 150,000 square meters, while outdoor exhibition and support areas will expand to 335,000 square meters.

More than 170 aircraft have registered for the main exhibition area, setting a record for the event.

Military equipment and international aerobatics

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase upgraded combat equipment, early-warning and reconnaissance systems, air defense equipment, unmanned systems and other advanced technologies.

Gao Xiang, deputy director of the Political Work Department of the PLA Air Force, said the exhibition would highlight advances in the service's equipment modernization and operational capabilities. The PLA Army and Navy will also send equipment to the event.

The PLA Air Force's Bayi Aerobatic Team will perform alongside the Russian Aerospace Forces' Russian Knights and the United Arab Emirates Air Force's Al Fursan aerobatic team. It will be the first time since 2016 that two foreign military aerobatic teams have participated in the same edition of the airshow.

The Air Force will also introduce interactive activities, including access to aircraft cargo holds and opportunities for visitors to meet pilots and technical personnel.

A dedicated digital technology section will feature humanoid robots, virtual digital humans and artificial intelligence applications, along with demonstrations of intelligent maintenance and coordination among unmanned systems.

Naval vessels and drone demonstrations

In a major expansion beyond traditional aviation displays, the newly established Gaolan Port exhibition area will feature active-duty PLA Navy vessels along nearly one kilometer of waterfront, alongside amphibious armored vehicles displayed on land.

China State Shipbuilding Corporation plans to showcase a new 500-ton-class unmanned vessel and other maritime equipment.

The maritime exhibition area will also host free public open-day activities, with advance online reservations, approval and valid identification required for entry.

At the Lianzhou venue, 90 companies have registered to participate, with 40 aircraft signed up for the exhibition.

Demonstrations will focus on drone operations and counter-drone technologies, including various methods of countering unmanned aerial threats. Several new drone models are also expected to take part in flight demonstrations.

Aerospace innovations take center stage

China's major aerospace and defense manufacturers are preparing to unveil a range of new equipment and technologies.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) plans to display its CZ-10B rocket and maritime recovery equipment, with new products expected to account for more than 70% of its exhibits.

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) will present an upgraded counter-drone defense system integrating missiles, anti-aircraft guns, lasers and other countermeasures.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) will display more than 370 products, an increase of over 30% from the previous edition, covering military aircraft, unmanned systems, emergency rescue and the low-altitude economy.

Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) will exhibit nearly 90 models of aircraft engines and gas turbines, along with related testing facilities, components and advanced materials. Nearly half of the displayed models will be making their public debut.

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) will present a revamped commercial aircraft pavilion highlighting developments across China's aircraft manufacturing supply chain.

Public ticket sales begin Oct. 19

Tickets for public visiting days will go on sale Oct. 19 through officially designated online platforms. Information will be available on the official Airshow China website www.airshow.com.cn and its WeChat account.

To accommodate visitors, Zhuhai plans to operate 23 dedicated airshow bus routes with 48 boarding points, including 12 routes within the city and 11 connecting other Pearl River Delta cities.

Additional intercity rail services will operate between central Zhuhai and the airport area, with increased train capacity and direct services to the exhibition venue from stations including those serving Gongbei and Hengqin checkpoints.

The official airshow app and WeChat miniprogram will also provide AI-assisted visitor services, exhibition guides and livestreams of aerial performances and ground demonstrations.