The latest advancements in the aerospace and related military industries are demonstrating China's strength in a full range of land, sea, air, sky, and electronic defenses starting today, Nov 6, in Zhuhai.

The 12th China International Aerospace & Aviation Exhibition is being held at the Zhuhai Airshow Center in Jinwan District. On site are a record 770 exhibitors from 43 countries and regions displaying 140 aircraft.

The State-level biennial event, also known as Airshow China, runs through Nov 11. As one of the world's largest air displays, it provides a wealth of dedicated and focused business opportunities.

Outstanding aircraft

Here are some highlights from major Chinese defense-industrial enterprises and emerging technological forces in the country:

Aviation Industry Corp of China

The large-scale State-owned aerospace and defense firm, AVIC is still the key exhibitor. It focuses on 4th-generation aviation equipment, autonomous rather than remote-controlled aircraft, and a balanced land-sea-air defense system.

A major draw is the 4th-generation J-20 fighter, which features a host of cutting-edge technologies. These include an electro-optical distributed aperture system that allows pilots to simultaneously detect and track enemy aircraft and missiles in every direction. Meanwhile, the Y-20, which makes China the third country after Russia and the US to design and develop its own heavy military transport aircraft, is also on display.

AG600, the largest amphibian aircraft in the world, has returned to the show as a starring exhibit.

China North Industries Group Corp

The Chinese frontrunner and pioneer in military trade, CNIGC has mounted its largest-ever display. There are 100 systems in air and coastal defense, ground strikes, unmanned combat, early warning and surveillance security, commercial aerospace, and command communication and support. Sixty percent are making maiden appearances.

Capabilities of products in the static display area are shown using advanced hi-tech such as virtual reality. Dynamic exhibits take advantage of 110 hectares (27 acres) of demonstration area, the most in the event's history.

Main battle tanks, wheeled armored vehicles, crawler-type infantry fighting vehicles, and other equipment climb slopes, navigate in ponds, and perform snake-shaped maneuvers. Demonstrations of training in shooting, basic tactics, equipment deployment, and withdrawal are included.

Red Falcon Aerobatic Team readied for flying demonstrations [Photos by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]

China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp

State-owned CASC is showcasing 184 of its best and most recent products including the highly anticipated carrier rocket family being modeled for the first time (1:10).

The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) attached to CASC has brought the self-developed Long March-11, or CZ-11 (Chang Zheng-11). With a diameter of 2 m (6.6 ft), it is the only solid-fueled carrier rocket of the Long March family. It is easy to operate, cost-efficient to launch, and attaches easily to satellites. Furthermore, the launch vehicle can remain in storage for long periods and launch reliably on short notice. The Change 4 detector and relay star (model: 1:3) and other R&D milestones are also exhibited for the first time.

China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), known as the CASC Fifth Academy, displays the core module of China's space station, the Chang'e 4 lunar probe and relay satellite, among other products.

An arm of CASC, Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) is unveiling the first China-developed satellite for monitoring air pollution -- the Gaofen-5 (GF-5) hyperspectral imaging satellite for atmospheric research.

FengYun-4 (FY-4) makes its first public appearance at the air show. The FY-4 was the first of China's second-generation weather satellites in geostationary orbit, as well as the country's first quantitative remote-sensing satellite in high orbit. There are 20 other CASC products on display including Long March-6 (CZ-6) series rockets, LY-80N (ship-borne air-defense missile weapon system), and hydrogen cells.

China Electronics Corp

CEC is one of the largest producers of telecom equipment in China and has put up 130 leading products in defense electronics, information security, and public safety in a 1,000-sq-m (quarter-acre) exhibition area.

In addition to products for military communications and radar detection, CEC is presenting key components for electronic countermeasures. It also shows systems for S-band mobile satellite communication, vehicle-mounted mobile low-frequency transmissions, and shipborne electronic reconnaissance. All have reached advanced domestic levels. Three-coordinate aircraft-warning radar, mobile radar detection and interference systems, and other star products favored by Third World countries are also displayed.

The company's strength in information security is reflected by more than 30 independent R&D products that include basic software, high-end chips, security machines, and eco–system service. A highlight is the Phytium series CPU chips. Considered world-class, they are high-performance and compatible with ARM instruction sets. A combined demonstration of the CPU chip and Kylin operating system makes it first appearance at the airshow.

China Electronics Technology Group Corp

The science and technology leader in the electronic industry of China, CETC debuts more than 100 of its latest achievements. Three-hundred other products in various fields demonstrate the company's versatility especially in developing applications for both military and civilian use.

Its indoor exhibition booth highlights the company's success in both defense and security electronics and information technology. The booth is coupled with an ample outdoor display area for command and control, early warning detection, electronic countermeasures, and marine electronics.

Yunzhou-Tech

Unmanned surface vehicle (USV) development is represented by a new emerging power in the industry based in the Zhuhai Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone of Tangjiawan. Yunzhou-Tech puts forth eight products including an ultramodern version of its unmanned boats in Hall 9, which is reserved for military-civilian integration achievements in China.

Flying displays

The August 1st and Red Falcon aerobatic teams of PLAAF, and Sherdils Aerobatic Team of the Pakistan Air Force will demonstrate flying performances during the airshow. In addition, AVIC will show its J-10B Thrust Vector Validation Aircraft and FTC-2000G two-seat fighter-trainer, Comac will display its ARJ-21 turbofan regional jet, and Liaoning General Aviation Academy will fly its RX1E two-seat electric aircraft in between.