China’s J-10C fighter jets make Singapore Airshow debut with aerial display

China’s J-10C fighter jets made their debut performance at the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday, as six aircraft took part in a flight display at the opening ceremony alongside planes from Singapore, India, and other countries.

The 10th Singapore Airshow, held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, has drawn more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 50 countries and regions. The event features 16 national pavilions, including those from China, France, and Germany, with an exhibition area larger than in previous editions.

A major highlight of the airshow was the performance by the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, marking its second appearance at the Singapore Airshow following its debut at the seventh edition in February 2020.

According to China’s state-run Global Times, the aerobatic team has undergone significant changes in personnel and equipment after transitioning to the J-10C fighter jet.

Several high-difficulty maneuvers made their Singapore debut, including a six-aircraft formation barrel roll, a five-aircraft fly-past, and an axis rotation maneuver, as part of efforts to promote China’s main light fighter jet on the export market.

The domestically developed J-10C drew global attention in 2025 during the India-Pakistan conflict, when the Pakistani Air Force, operating the export version J-10CE, reportedly shot down several advanced Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafales.

Inside the exhibition halls, a scale model of the J-35A stealth fighter jet took center stage.

A wide range of Chinese aviation products is also on display, including fighter jets, training aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Models of the J-10CE and JF-17 fighter jets, the L-15 advanced trainer, and the Y-20 large transport aircraft are among the exhibits, according to state media.

Independently developed by China, the J-35A is a key component of stealth and counter-stealth combat systems. It is primarily designed for air superiority missions, with secondary roles in air-to-surface strikes. The J-35A made its public debut in 2024 at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong.