The 6-day 10th Singapore Airshow officially kicked off on the 3rd of this month at Changi Exhibition Centre, with Chinese elements drawing much attention. The Chinese Air Force's August 1st Aerobatic Team returned to the event after 6 years, as 6 J-10 display aircraft performed a 'ballet in the sky' over the sea and sky. A large-scale model of AVIC’s J-35A was positioned at center stage, while domestically produced commercial aircraft C919 and C909 were also on display, making Chinese-made planes a highlight of this year’s show.
As one of the largest and most influential aerospace and defense exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, this Singapore Airshow attracted more than a thousand companies from over 50 countries and regions, featuring 16 national pavilions including those of China, France, and Germany. The exhibition area was further expanded compared to previous years.
● Six-ship Formation Barrel Roll
During the airshow, six military aerobatic teams presented eight spectacular flying displays, with the Chinese Air Force August 1st Aerobatic Team becoming the focus of the event. This marks the team’s first invitation back since participating in the 7th Singapore Airshow in February 2020.
According to the Global Times, the August 1st Aerobatic Team appeared in Singapore for the first time after switching to the J-10C, with major changes in personnel, equipment, and maneuvers. The six-ship formation barrel roll, the five-ship echelon pass, and the four-ship horizontal pass were also performed for the first time over Changi Airport. The debut of the high-difficulty 'six-ship formation barrel roll' helps boost the export prospects of China's mainstay light fighter jets.
In addition, China's COMAC C919, C909 medical aircraft, and Indonesia’s Linkaja Aviation C909 were displayed together in the static exhibition area, with the C919 performing a flight demonstration.
● J-35A Has Independent Booth
Moreover, according to AVIC, in the indoor exhibition area of the Singapore Airshow, AVIC exhibited a range of products covering fighter jets, trainers, transport aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The large-scale model of the J-35A took center stage, while models of the J-20 and J-10CE also attracted crowds of visitors.
The J-35A is a significant component of the stealth and counter-stealth operational system, primarily focused on air superiority missions while also considering ground attack. It mainly undertakes the task of seizing and controlling air superiority, striking enemy fighters and surface or maritime air defenses. At the same time, it can also intercept enemy fighter jets, bombers, cruise missiles, and other aerial targets. In November 2024, the J-35A stealth fighter made its first flying display at the Zhuhai Airshow.