Zhuhai Air Show Underway

China has kicked off the latest edition of the Zhuhai Air Show, reports Reuters.

The air show, which China uses to show off its latest aircraft and equipment, is smaller than previous years due to Beijing’s strict COVID-19 regulations.

The exhibition began on Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 13.

The show opened with an aerial demonstration from China’s advanced J-20 fighter jets equipped with domestic engines for the first time, reported the Asia Times.

The Comac C919 passenger jet, in the same class as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320neo, flew publicly for the first time during the opening of the show.

An addition, the state-owned Global Times reported that a new anti-drone system based on the HQ-17 surface-to-air missile system would debut during the event. It is said to be able to identify and target low-flying small drones.

China’s FH-97A “loyal wingman” drone is also expected to be demonstrated. It is said to resemble the U.S. XQ-58A Valkyrie.