The Chinese FC-31 Stealth Jet might soon be sold to Saudi Arabia after the US snub to get F-35s. The success of the first-ever World Defense Show might upset American sales in this region of the world.
A previous arms deal for a light attack jet fighter was inked with the UAE, and China is actively pushing its arms in the middle east as a major shift in world power occurs.
Offered an alternative to the Arabs who want cutting edge arms and equipment but not necessarily from the American is gaining traction in the Middle East.
China's Stealth Fighter a Game-changer in the Far-East
The four-day exhibition in Riyadh that started March 6, with eight Chinese defense firms that sold their best equipment on display for the first time in Saudi Arabia, reported the Eurasian Times.
Feature cutting edge technology from China was the LY-80 air defense system, the SR5 multiple rocket launcher, and another JY-27A anti-air warning radar.
On display were drones, heavy air transports, electronic warfare defense systems, several types of drones from marine to winged autonomous systems; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could adopt that, noted Global Times.
The up-ticket FC-31 was a favorite of the exhibition to the other systems on display. Last March 7, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) said it would display its newest plane.
An earlier report by the Eurasian Times said that AVIC would be selling their 5th generation jet abroad in several markets.
A Chinese outlet said that the exhibit of modern Chinese arms and hardware would get the attention of Middle East big shots like the FC-31 Stealth fighter, KSA Crown Prince, Yemen's Prime Minister, and Iraq's Defense Minister.
According to the Saudi Arabian general representative, Shen Yujie, China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), the PLZ45A4 artillery system was an exhibit in the event. It is improved in firepower, reliability, and user interface over the former model.
The next interesting piece of equipment is the ZDK-03 early warning aircraft of CETC International Co Ltd; Tian Yaobin promoted it as a cheaper version of the Americans.
China Steps Into International Arms Market
The World Defense Show in Riyadh from March 6 to 9 in 2022 would have a total of 45 nation and their defense firm with 600 exhibitors competing to get sales in the four-day event.
Contracts will be top dollar from the nations that could spend for such modern yet affordable equipment.
Countries organize exhibitions by Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) sources military tech for the kingdom.
China is pushing for more advanced sales of its military products, with less cost and added support after sold; anyone can buy, unlike US equipment.
Readily sold to anyone who can shoulder the expenses, Beijing is the go-to for many countries who want to buy with no strings attached.
Chinese state media says that China's defense firms are willing to help the states with technology to make the arms at home. The objective is to support the locals to have jobs and develop defense technologies for themselves. The FC-31 stealth fighter could be a low-cost option over the F-35 and even a competitor for Russian Checkmate Fight later on.
