The biennial China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) concluded in Zhuhai, offering a glimpse into China’s rapidly advancing military capabilities, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated airpower, Al Jazeera reports.
The event, held from November 12-17, drew nearly 600,000 visitors and generated an estimated $38.7 billion in deals, according to Chinese state media.
While the airshow featured spectacular aerial displays, including a squadron of Chengdu J-10 fighter jets performing acrobatic maneuvers with colorful smoke trails, the real focus was on showcasing the latest advancements in Chinese military technology. New equipment unveiled included an updated Harbin Z-20 helicopter and the highly anticipated J-35A stealth fighter. The event also marked the first public appearance outside Russia of the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter.
However, defense and aviation expert Peter Layton of the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, argues that the most significant advancements were not the flashy displays but rather the subtle indications of China’s progress towards AI-integrated airpower. Layton points to the global trend toward developing fighter aircraft with comprehensive AI and machine learning integration, predicting that the effective integration of AI and piloting skills will be crucial for future air dominance.
A key element of this future, according to experts, is the concept of “loyal wingmen” – drones operating in tandem with fighter jets. These drones could act as sensors, shooters, weapons carriers, and cost reducers, significantly enhancing a pilot’s situational awareness and combat effectiveness. The war in Ukraine has already demonstrated the transformative potential of drones in modern warfare.
While no military has yet fully realized this vision, China is making strides. Layton notes that the J-20S, a two-seater fighter jet showcased at Zhuhai (as a model), is designed to facilitate collaboration between the pilot and a wingman drone. The FH-97A drone, capable of air defense suppression, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare, is an example of such a loyal wingman, having been previously displayed at the 2022 airshow.
Further demonstrating China’s commitment to drone technology, the airshow unveiled a new heavy drone dubbed the “swarm carrier.” This drone’s unique capability lies in its ability to carry not only its own payload of missiles and bombs but also a complement of smaller drones, potentially allowing for coordinated swarm attacks.
Layton, however, estimates that a fully operational AI-integrated fighter-drone system will likely not be deployed by the Chinese military until well into the 2030s.
