Chinese enterprises participating in the air show displayed China’s star products in the fields of armored assault, fire strike, air defense and anti-missile, intelligent ammunition, unmanned and anti-unmanned systems through models and multimedia…reports Asian Lite News
China’s leading defense equipment displayed at the 2024 Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) grabbed the spotlight in South Africa, attracting delegations from various countries.
The 2024 AAD, Africa’s largest airshow, kicked off on Wednesday at an air force base near Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital.
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Chinese enterprises participating in the air show displayed China’s star products in the fields of armored assault, fire strike, air defense and anti-missile, intelligent ammunition, unmanned and anti-unmanned systems through models and multimedia.
On the first day of the air show, South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga visited the exhibition area of Chinese defense enterprises.
“For me, it’s very interesting to show the world that war or defense has really become highly technical, it has become highly scientific. And therefore, of any relevance, you have to move quicker on science and technology,” said Motshekga.
As the largest air show in Africa, the AAD is held every two years. This year, the air show will open for the public on Saturday.
Daniel du Plessis, marketing and communications director at South African company Milkor, announced the debut of their new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Milkor 380. “This is the largest UAV to be produced on the African continent. It could be used for continuous border surveillance and send back information for those on the ground to react accordingly, which is very effective in reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and surveillance,” he said.
Companies from China, Botswana, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, India, Russia, Armenia, and Albania participated in the exhibition.
China’s ‘Chubby Girl’ Y-20 on display
Nicknamed ‘Chubby Girl’, the Y-20 (Kunpeng) aircraft, which is reportedly China’s largest multi-role tanker aircraft, is expected to take to the skies during the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD 2024) being held from Wednesday to Sunday.
The multi-role transporter is expected to perform “carefully choreographed manoeuvres” during the five-day AAD 2024, which is South Africa’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition.
“We will strive to demonstrate the outstanding performance of the Y-20 and the excellent combat prowess of Chinese air force pilots,” PLA Daily quoted a Chinese defence personnel as saying.
An export-oriented version of the aircraft the Y-20BE, developed by the state-owned Xian Aircraft Corporation, is being promoted by China at various airshows. It was showcased at the recently concluded Egypt International Airshow.
Notable for its significant transport capacity and advanced technology, the Y-20 has a maximum cargo capacity of 66 tons, making it suitable for transporting military equipment such as tanks and helicopters over long distances.
It has been dubbed as “a plane from China that the US truly fears,” as it significantly boosts the Chinese military’s amphibious attack capabilities.
The aircraft was first delivered to the PLAAF(People’s Liberation Army Air Force) on July 6, 2016. Since then it has participated in various missions, including humanitarian aid deliveries and military exercises.
Indian defence industry optimistic
Eight public sector and two private defence sector companies of India participating in the Africa Aerospace and Defence expo are showcasing high quality of products and the level of after sales service offered to garner more business.
Harping on maintenance as a key factor in ensuring support, these top defence sector companies are confident that India’s prowess in air, land and maritime products will find favour on the continent and globally, officials attending the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) said.
Held biennially at the Waterkloof Airforce Base in the City of Tshwane – South Africa’s administrative capital, the AAD Expo is one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP.
This year’s edition of AAD, which combines both a trade exhibition and an air show, is being held from September 18 till 22.
“Our products in combat situations have done well and therefore offer a good choice for the African countries. I’m sure, they will go back with good orders,” said High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar after officially opening the India Pavilion at AAD on Wednesday.
Sanjay Dwivedi, chairman and managing director of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a government of India enterprise within the Ministry of Defence, said it the first time that they are participating as an exhibitor.
The AVNL has manufactured different types of tank variants, combat vehicles and their variants and different types of mine-protected vehicles and engines used in the tanks since 1962.
“We know that there is a lot of potential in the African defence market where we can sell our products as well as support makeup and modernisation of their vehicles,” Dwivedi said.
Stating that he did not see South Africa, also a strong tank developer, as a competitor, Dwivedi said, “Today’s world is not only one of competition. Today’s world is one of collaboration and partnership.”
Manoj Yadav, General Manager Marketing at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, said his company is showcasing its latest product, an advanced light helicopter.
Girish Pradhan, executive director of Bharat Dynamics Limited, said there was a lot of potential for the combat weapons being supplied to the Indian armed forces to be deployed in South Africa.
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