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.
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More than 1,500 companies took part in this year’s Dubai Airshow, the largest air show in the Middle East, including 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.
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. 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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At its outdoor venue, Catic displayed a model of the Wing Loong-X unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an export variant of the fixed-wing combat Wing Loong drone series. The drones have been widely exported to Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, along with missiles that can be launched from the aircraft.