The Zhuhai Airshow in China is one of the most important aerospace events in the world and the stage for the presentation of advanced aircraft from the Asian country, and the 2024 edition will be no different.
Scheduled to take place between November 12 and 17, the exhibition could feature the Sukhoi Su-57 and Shenyang J-35A stealth fighters.
A list of aircraft circulating on social media includes the Russian 5th generation fighter in the variant currently in production and also in the export model Su-57E.
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The new Chinese fighter could make its debut in the naval variant after being spotted several times in flight tests.
The Su-57’s appearance in Zhuhai is a rare opportunity for state-owned United Aircraft Corporation to seek out potential customers, as the company has participated in few air shows since Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The fighter is in service with the Russian Air Force, but in small numbers amid a production rate that suggests it is low.
The Su-57E export variant is aimed at countries that still maintain friendly relations with Moscow, and China has been a supporter of President Vladimir Putin, despite criticism from the West.
Fujian aircraft carrier fighter
Russia and China have sought to reduce the United States’ influence in the global context and to this end have invested in their own aerospace programs, but the Chinese stand out due to the enormous financial resources available.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), for example, is in the midst of a program to build large conventional aircraft carriers.
The Fujian is the first of these vessels, with electromagnetic catapults and the capacity to carry dozens of aircraft including the J-35A.
The fighter is an advanced naval variant of the FC-31, a twin-engine stealth fighter that was originally offered to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) but was outclassed by the larger Chengdu J-20.
The J-35A is a fighter with features reminiscent of the Lockheed Martin F-35C, which operates with the US Navy.
Shenyang also has ambitions for an export variant of the J-35, but the stage of the project is unknown.
Despite the rumors, it would not be surprising if both fail to show up at the Zhuhai Airshow. It would not be the first time.
