Airshow China 2026 will run from 7 to 13 December in Zhuhai, Guangdong, with more than 1,100 companies from nearly 50 countries and regions registered to exhibit over 3,000 items of equipment. More than 170 aircraft are planned for the main exhibition area, while the event’s expanded format will include dedicated unmanned and maritime zones alongside the principal aviation and aerospace exhibition.
The 16th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition will introduce a three-zone layout for the first time, comprising the main exhibition area, an unmanned-equipment zone and a maritime-equipment zone. Around 10% of the exhibits are expected to be first-time displays or debuts, although final participation and schedules remain subject to change before the event.
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force will present new types of major combat equipment covering reconnaissance, early warning, air defence, support, airborne operations, unmanned systems, intelligent equipment and munitions. A new digital-intelligence section will feature humanoid robots, virtual digital humans and artificial-intelligence demonstrations.
The PLA Navy is scheduled to display in-service ships at Gaolan Port, together with amphibious armoured vehicles and other equipment on land. Aerospace debuts are expected to include the Long March-10B and a sea-based net-recovery system, forming the show’s largest presentation of heavy-lift and reusable rockets. The Russian Knights and Chinese Bayi aerobatic teams are confirmed to participate, with the UAE’s Fursan Al Emarat team expected to be invited. The event will also coincide with Airshow China’s 30th anniversary.