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China’s aerospace giants buoyed by tech seek to boost arms sales at global air shows
Fighter jets, drones and a performance by L-15 training jets among the Chinese tech displayed at this year’s Dubai Airshow
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Seong Hyeon Choiin Dubai
China’s aerospace manufacturers have become a growing presence at overseas air shows as the country seeks to expand its arms sales abroad, bolstered by technological advances in the defence and aviation industries.
More than 1,500 companies took part in this year’s Dubai Airshow, the largest such show in the Middle East. They included around 80 Chinese companies, such as China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (Catic).
Catic is the international arms sales subsidiary and the global representative of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a major Chinese military aircraft manufacturer.
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At the Dubai Airshow, Catic displayed miniature and life-size models of Chinese military aircraft at its indoor and outdoor booths.
Its two most advanced fighter jets – the 4.5-generation J-10CE and fifth-generation J-35A – were prominently displayed.
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The Y-20 large transport aircraft, the L-15A training aircraft, Wing Loong series drones and helicopters were also present for the Middle Eastern audience, which included many in military uniform.
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