China showcases Y-20 transport plane, other military exports at South Africa air show

Beijing is actively promoting sales of the Y-20, its flagship heavy-lifting aircraft that is used to move troops and equipment.

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The Y-20 is the Chinese air force’s multi-role transport aircraft. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 2:00pm, 20 Sep 2024Updated: 4:10pm, 20 Sep 2024

China is demonstrating its Y-20 military transport aircraft at South Africa’s largest air show to promote the heavy lifter and other military exports to Africa.

The Y-20, a flagship multi-role transporter of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, will take to the sky and then be displayed during the five-day Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD 2024), the PLA Daily reported on Thursday.

AAD 2024 is Africa’s largest aerospace and defence expo, and is taking place from September 18 to 22 at Waterkloof airbase near Pretoria.

A Chinese Y-20 makes a demonstration flight during the Egypt International Airshow on September 3. Photo: Xinhua

Captain Liang Yao was quoted as saying that the Y-20, which weighs over 100 tonnes, would perform five “carefully choreographed manoeuvres” during a 10-minute demonstration for “optimal visual effects”.

“We will strive to demonstrate the outstanding performance of the Y-20 and the excellent combat prowess of Chinese air force pilots,” Liang told the PLA Daily.

Beijing has been active in promoting sales of the Y-20s, and an export-oriented version, the Y-20BE, was shown to Nigerian Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar in November when he visited China.

Besides air shows, China has also sent the heavy transporter to participate in various humanitarian missions and transport troops and equipment to take part in joint Chinese-foreign exercises.