Cutting-edge military hardware showcased at Airshow China

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, opened on Tuesday in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, with an impressive lineup of cutting-edge military hardware on debut, offering a glimpse into the latest achievements in the modernization of the Chinese military.

For the first time, the Y-20 large transport aircraft opened its cargo hold to the public, allowing visitors to step inside and explore the aircraft's interior.

The Y-20 is officially codenamed "Kunpeng" after a mythical bird that can fly vast distances.

"In the past, we only had a general understanding of the Y-20 and couldn't fully envision the carrying capacity of such a large domestically-produced transport aircraft. We used to think that it was capable of carrying items up to 200 tons. As the visitors are now allowed to step inside, they can experience the actual width of the cargo hold, see its layout, and gain a better understanding of how it transports soldiers and equipment. I believe visitors will find exploring the aircraft interior very compelling," said Li Li, a military expert.

China’s electronic warfare aircraft, the J-16D, which first debuted at Airshow China 2021, attracted considerable attention for its comprehensive combat capabilities, integrating reconnaissance, attack, and defense. It can effectively counter advanced hostile air defense systems, including early warning, command, communications, interception, and strike capabilities.

According to Li, the J-16D enhances the electronic warfare capabilities of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force and significantly boosts its overall combat effectiveness. "The length and volume of J-16D are relatively large, and its power is relatively large. It can interfere and suppress (the enemy's radar system) and at the same time, it can conduct strike, so its ability is relatively strong. It can help to enhance the comprehensive ability of the formation and make it safer," said Li.

Another key highlight of the airshow is the debut of the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system.

It is designed primarily for regional interception of ballistic missile targets and represents the new-quality combat capabilities for China's land-based air defense and missile defense. It is also the flagship equipment for the country's strategic air force to fulfill its role in safeguarding national aerospace security.

"This is indeed a major weapon in our country. We can see that it is equipped with six launchers, meaning it can carry six missiles simultaneously. The area it can protect is vast, as it can effectively intercept not only fighters and ballistic missiles, but also hypersonic weapons. Therefore, it represents a significant advancement in our air defense and anti-missile capabilities," Li said.

The airshow runs until Sunday and is attended by over 700 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions.

Cutting-edge military hardware showcased at Airshow China

As the diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran continues despite a faltering ceasefire, a former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said that Iran is prepared to use military power to break the U.S. maritime blockade should the negotiations collapse or run on too long.

Mohsen Rezaee, who also currently serves as a member of the Iranian Expediency Discernment Council, struck a confident tone about Iran's current trajectory in an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Tehran on Wednesday.

He said the country has withstood over two decades of crippling sanctions and continued to move forward.

"We have been under sanctions for more than 20 years. The number of sanctions likely exceeds 2,000, targeting individuals, enterprises, corporations, ships, insurance companies, and even foreign countries that interacted with us. However, we have managed to find solutions to neutralize these sanctions, and we will continue to do so moving forward," he said.

He said Iran aims to ease the sanctions burden through talks with the U.S., although at the same time, he said, Iran is ready to shift to a military response if the path to a peaceful resolution closes.

"Furthermore, we will compel the U.S. to lift these sanctions. We will force the U.S. to end the maritime blockade -- either through negotiations or, should they resist, through direct action and we will attack U.S. warships. Therefore, despite all the pressures, the future of our economy is bright and promising, while the future of the US economy is bleak," he said.

While any new war against Iran would be a dead end, the best way out for the U.S. is to continue talks, according to the senior official.

"We have prepared ourselves so that if the maritime blockade continues beyond a certain timeframe, we will launch an attack and break the blockade. The Americans have no choice but to negotiate. Continuing this war is a journey into a very dark tunnel for the United States. The more America chooses to fight, the deeper it enters a tunnel with no end. Yet for us, the path is perfectly clear. America is moving toward us in the dark, while we are monitoring their every move," he said.

Former IRGC chief says Iran ready to break U.S. naval blockade by force if talks fail