China's military presence at the Riyadh defence show was overshadowed by more prominent displays from Turkey and South Korea, particularly in advanced aircraft demonstrations.
During the recent five-day World Defence Show in Riyadh, manufacturers from the US, China, South Korea, and Turkey focused on striking financial and strategic military deals. Despite having previously showcased its capabilities significantly at earlier events, China's participation was notably subdued this year, particularly in contrast to its extensive display at the 2024 World Defence Show, where it actively showcased its J-10 jets.
The highlight of the event was South Korea's Black Eagles aerobatic team, which made a significant impact at its Middle Eastern debut by expertly performing in T-50B Golden Eagles. Their performance, that traced the Taegeuk symbol in smoke, drew considerable attention and interest from attendees, positioning South Korea as a formidable player in the region's military aviation sector.
China's strategic challenge is compounded by the political landscape, as it continues to face difficulties marketing its military jet fighters abroad, with issues rooted in transparency regarding its military technology specifications. Analysts noted that while China has made inroads into the military UAV market, the overall perception of its fighter jets remains overshadowed by competitors like Turkey and South Korea at this premier event.
