Military enthusiasts have been buzzing online about what new equipment the Chinese military will showcase at the upcoming Zhuhai Airshow. A key focus of speculation is whether the long-awaited stealth strategic bomber, the H-20, will finally be unveiled to the public.
The Zhuhai Airshow, officially known as the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, will mark its 15th edition this year, running from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, Guangdong. At a press conference held on September 25, Yu Qingjiang, Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, announced that the Air Force would increase both the number of ground and air equipment displays and the range of flight demonstrations for this event.
The static exhibition will be divided into four sections: “air superiority and air strikes, unmanned and counter-unmanned combat, strategic delivery and airlift/airborne operations, and early warning and air defense/missile defense.” These categories aim to showcase the comprehensive strength of the Chinese Air Force, with many weapons and equipment making their public debut. In the flight demonstrations, new aircraft developed by the Chinese Air Force in recent years will also be on display, visually demonstrating long-range strategic delivery and air strike capabilities. Military analysts believe that once the H-20 is operational, it could pose a potential threat to the United States, Australia, and India.
Yu Qingjiang also stated, “The new aircraft developed by the Air Force in recent years will be showcased, including the equipment that everyone has been eager to see and that is ready for public viewing at this stage.”
While Yu did not specify which new models will appear, his mention of keywords such as “long-range strategic delivery” and “air strikes” has fueled speculation among enthusiasts that the H-20 might finally make its public debut.
In response to the widespread anticipation among netizens to see the domestically developed H-20 at the Zhuhai Airshow, a media representative directly asked for more details during the Ministry of National Defense’s regular press conference on September 26. Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang gave a brief response: “Relevant departments will release information at the appropriate time. Please stay tuned.”
Interest in the H-20 has been building for some time. Six months ago, during the National People’s Congress, PLA Air Force Deputy Commander Wang Wei told Hong Kong media that China’s stealth strategic bomber was “close,” adding, “You just wait.” He emphasized that there were no bottlenecks in the development of the stealth bomber and praised the efforts of Chinese researchers.
Wang further revealed that the new stealth bomber could enter service immediately after its test flights, which was seen as a sign of smooth progress in the H-20’s development. Some speculated that the aircraft could be unveiled soon.
Has the H-20 already had its maiden flight?
Recent reports suggest that the H-20 has already begun test flights, exciting many military enthusiasts. Statements this week from Air Force leadership regarding new aircraft at the Zhuhai Airshow have raised expectations even higher.
However, military expert Song Zhongping, speaking with Hong Kong’s China News Agency, predicted that the H-20 is unlikely to appear at this year’s airshow, as it has yet to make its first flight.
The report also noted that core equipment is typically revealed elsewhere before making an appearance at airshows, reducing the likelihood of the H-20 being showcased at this event.
In fact, as early as 2016, then-commander of the PLA Air Force Ma Xiaotian confirmed that China was developing a new long-range bomber. However, despite several editions of the Zhuhai Airshow since then, the H-20 has yet to make an appearance.
Analysts believe that the delay in unveiling the H-20 is due to efforts to compete with the U.S. military’s next-generation strategic bomber, the B-21, as the earlier U.S. B-2 stealth bomber has become outdated. The H-20 is considered the last missing piece in China’s nuclear triad of sea, land, and air-based deterrence, and its completion is seen as essential for enhancing strategic deterrence capabilities.
It is believed that once the H-20 enters service, China will possess nuclear strike capabilities comparable to those of the United States and Russia. Some analysts argue that the delayed debut is aimed at matching the U.S. military’s B-21.
The potential impact on global military balance
In a September 15 article on Tencent’s international column, the author analyzed that the H-20’s arrival would not only reshape the combat power of China’s Air Force but also cause ripples in the global military landscape.
Specifically, with the H-20 nearing its service debut, countries such as the United States, Australia, and India, whose interests conflict with China’s, will feel unprecedented military pressure.
The article explains that the current operational radius of China’s H-6 bomber is only about 3,000 kilometers, which limits its threat to Australia. However, the H-20 is expected to have an operational radius of 4,000 to 5,000 kilometers, with a maximum range exceeding 12,000 kilometers. With the support of aerial refueling, the bomber could reach Australia’s densely populated areas, posing a defense challenge.
While Australia might be the first to feel the impact, the H-20’s service would also put pressure on the global military hegemon, the United States. U.S. military bases in the Asia-Pacific, such as Guam and Hawaii, would fall within the bomber’s strike range, potentially weakening U.S. control over the region.
The H-20’s stealth capabilities, including its ability to approach targets undetected and carry long-range missiles like the CJ-10, would enable precision strikes. As for India, the H-20’s deployment would further widen the technological gap between China and India, as the entire Indian subcontinent would be within its range.
Experts predict that the Y-20 transport aircraft, equipped with new engines, might be one of the highlights at this year’s Zhuhai Airshow.
In summary, the debut of the H-20 represents a significant milestone in China’s military strategy, marking a critical step forward in stealth bomber technology and closing the gap with global military powers. As the H-20 enters mass production in the future, China will significantly enhance its strategic strike capabilities, not only addressing threats in the Asia-Pacific region but also gaining stronger global projection capabilities.
“This means that globally, the H-20’s service will reshape the strategic balance, especially in the Asia-Pacific, where its impact will be profound.”
This is precisely why the H-20 continues to attract attention. However, despite being the “most anticipated” equipment at this year’s Zhuhai Airshow, it might not yet be among the “ready-to-be-seen” new developments.
Other new military equipment to draw attention
Even if the H-20 does not make an appearance, other new military equipment on display is expected to capture attention. Experts predict these could include the Y-20 transport aircraft with new engines, the lightweight J-35 stealth fighter, the FC-31 medium-sized stealth fighter, and the H-6N bomber.
According to official sources, this year’s exhibition space has doubled in size, expanding from 100,000 square meters in the last edition to 450,000 square meters, with two new exhibition halls. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China will showcase 260 products, nearly a 25% increase from the previous edition, with nearly 30% being exhibited for the first time. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation will also present nearly 200 high-tech achievements, including the Chang’e-6 probe, Long March 8A rocket, Long March 12 rocket series, and lunar samples returned by Chang’e-6.
As China’s largest aviation and aerospace exhibition, the Zhuhai Airshow serves as a crucial platform for displaying the nation’s aviation and aerospace capabilities. Its growing scale reflects China’s expanding military power and overall national strength, a trend that other countries must acknowledge and adapt to. (Lianhe Zaobao)
