China's "Land Aircraft Carrier" Drone to Debut at Zhuhai Airshow

This year’s Zhuhai Airshow will feature the debut of a ‘land aircraft carrier’ drone and will introduce a dedicated unmanned systems area for the first time.

The 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, scheduled for November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, recently marked a 100-day countdown with a ceremony, indicating that preparations are nearing completion, according to a press release on the event's social media account.

Known as Airshow China or Zhuhai Airshow, this year’s event will be the largest to date, with 13 halls, 120,000 square meters of indoor space, and 230,000 square meters of outdoor space.

The expo will feature an unmanned systems demonstration area, including sections for unmanned surface vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAVs will perform flights, and a “land aircraft carrier” drone will make its global debut. This drone concept could involve a large unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that functions similarly to an aircraft carrier but on land. The UGV may carry, deploy, and retrieve multiple smaller UAVs, providing a mobile platform for drone support and launching. Such systems could enhance operational flexibility and reach, enabling rapid deployment and support of drone fleets in locations without traditional airbases or carriers.

Air shows often highlight trends in aviation technologies. Unmanned systems, both civilian and military, are a significant focus in technological development. Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, noted to the Global Times that drones have played effective roles in recent regional conflicts, altering the nature of warfare. The inclusion of an unmanned systems area at Airshow China reflects China’s commitment to drone technologies and the advanced state of its industrial capabilities.

In addition to drones, approximately 800 Chinese and foreign exhibitors will showcase their latest products at this year’s air show. The Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team will return after an eight-year absence, joining the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's Bayi and Red Falcon aerobatic teams in flight performances, according to the event organizer.