China Nears Unveiling of Aerial Refueling Aircraft Modified from Y-20 Transport Plane

Zhuhai Airshow Opens on 28th... Showcasing Advanced Weapons Like Wing Loong II
This Year Emphasizes 2035 Military Modernization, Airshow Highlights China's Air Force Strength

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China's largest airshow, the 'Zhuhai Airshow,' is set to take place.

Y-20 transport aircraft (Photo by China Military Online)

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency announced that the 13th Zhuhai Airshow (China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition) will be held from the 28th of this month to the 3rd of next month at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center in Guangdong Province. The Zhuhai Airshow is not only a venue for aerospace but also showcases China's next-generation fighter jets and military aircraft, demonstrating the strength of the Chinese Air Force. The biennial Zhuhai Airshow was canceled last year due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

The Zhuhai Airshow Organizing Committee explained that over 700 companies from more than 40 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Canada, and Brazil, will participate, with 100 aircraft on display. They added that cutting-edge aviation equipment from land, sea, and air sectors will be exhibited, and a separate electronics exhibition hall has also been prepared.

Senior Colonel Xian Jin-ke, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, stated, "The Chinese military is promoting modernization by 2035," adding, "This year will be the inaugural year of modernization for the Chinese Air Force." He further said, "Through this airshow, we will demonstrate the Chinese Air Force's capabilities in early warning, air strikes, air defense, missile interception, strategic transport, and support."

Pu Chen-sao, a Chinese military aerospace expert, explained in an interview with Global Times, "If the Chinese Air Force was previously a tactical unit lacking advanced, large, and long-range military aircraft, the current medium-weight air force now possesses military aircraft capable of strategic tactics," adding, "It has fighters supported by special mission aircraft such as early warning aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, electronic warfare aircraft, reconnaissance planes, and unmanned aerial vehicles."

Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter (Photo by China Military Online)

Global Times reported that the latest Chinese military aircraft such as the J-20 stealth fighter, Y-20 transport aircraft, and Z-20 helicopter will be displayed at this airshow. The media also mentioned that the naval version (anti-submarine helicopter) of the Z-20 helicopter, which was showcased at the 2019 National Day military parade, will be exhibited.

Global Times particularly emphasized that an upgraded version of the 'WS-10 Taihang turbofan engine' will be unveiled. This engine is installed on China's main fighter, the J-11D. The engine has been criticized for its low thrust, limiting its application to other J-series fighters. The improved performance engine is also likely to be installed on carrier-based fighters such as the J-15.

Global Times reported that China's cutting-edge weapons, including the military drone Wing Loong II, LY-70 surface-to-air missile, M20A/B surface-to-air missile, and Y-20 aerial refueling tanker, will be revealed.

Global Times added, citing experts, that an aerial refueling tanker converted from the large Y-20 transport aircraft might be unveiled at this airshow. The Y-20, known to be benchmarked against the U.S. military's C-17 transport aircraft, reportedly has an average operational range of 7,800 km and a maximum payload capacity of 66 tons.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.