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Challenger To B-21 Raider, China Says ‘New Warplanes’ To Be Unveiled At Zhuhai Air Show; H-20 Debut Likely?

China is preparing to unveil “new warplanes” at its highly anticipated annual air show, showcasing its growing military capabilities. This announcement follows an unusual Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) test conducted on September 25, which sent shockwaves throughout the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) announced on September 25 that it will unveil some of its latest warplanes at the Zhuhai Air Show, which is scheduled to take place in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, from November 12 to November 17.

As the biggest biennial air show in the country, the event draws massive crowds of spectators who witness the impressive display of China’s military and commercial aircraft.

Speaking at a press conference on September 25, Lieutenant General Yu Qingjiang, the Vice Commander of the PLA Air Force, announced that the newly developed warplanes would debut publicly in a flight demonstration at the upcoming air show, state-owned publication Global Times reported.

Yu stated that the PLAAF would showcase its capabilities in air combat, air strikes, unmanned and counter-unmanned warfare, strategic delivery and airdropping, early warning, and air defense using new equipment publicly displayed for the first time.

“We want to display the PLA Air Force’s capabilities and confidence in firmly defending national sovereign unity and territorial integrity and positively convey its vision and voice of safeguarding peace, openness for cooperation, and equal communication,” he said.

Although the official did not name the aircraft that will take to the skies at the Zhuhai Airshow, the announcement has triggered speculation that the country could showcase its next-generation aircraft and aero-engines.

Chinese military aviation specialist Fu Qianshao told the publication that although there was much conjecture that the H-20 next-generation bomber might be revealed shortly, the strategic aircraft is not yet ready for public demonstration.




H-20
Screengrab: H-20 Bomber

The development comes months after the PLA Air Force deputy commander, Wang Wei, stated that the much-awaited H-20 would be unveiled “shortly” without offering a timeline.

The H-20 is believed to be an answer to the US B-21 Raider bomber, which has already entered low-rate production.

Nonetheless, the Chinese aviation expert mentioned equipment that could be displayed at the airshow, including the Y-20 fitted with newly produced domestic engines and unmanned stealth drones.

Moreover, the expert highlighted that a new special operations aircraft and a medium-sized stealth fighter jet based on the FC-31 could be among the new aircraft on display at the show.

While this observation does not represent the official stance of the PLAAF, it is significant as China is reportedly testing a new stealth carrier-based aircraft derived from its FC-31 fifth-generation stealth fighter.




Shenyang FC-31 – Wikipedia

Besides the People’s Liberation Air Force, the People’s Liberation Army Navy and the People’s Liberation Army will also participate in the air show.

Earlier this month, a documentary aired on China’s state-owned broadcaster, CCTV, revealed that an unknown carrier-based fighter jet was tested aboard the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) first aircraft carrier, Liaoning. While the details remain shrouded in secrecy, there are rumors that the aircraft in question was the J-35, the carrier-based variant of the FC-31.

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