Singapore’s skies are set to witness a spectacular display of aerial prowess as China’s elite August 1st Air Demonstration Team arrived at Changi Airport on Tuesday. The team, operating seven advanced J-10 fighter jets, will participate in the 10th Singapore Airshow, marking their second appearance at the prestigious Asian aviation event.
According to Senior Colonel Xie Peng, spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, this deployment represents the team’s 13th international performance. The aerobatic unit, China’s most renowned demonstration team, previously graced the Singapore Airshow during its 7th edition in February 2020.
The journey from their southwestern China airbase involved sophisticated aerial refueling operations conducted by a YY-20A tanker aircraft. Team pilots will now conduct training flights to acclimatize to Singapore’s unique environmental conditions and airspace.
Aviation enthusiasts will be treated to two distinct variants of the J-10 series: the J-10SY, derived from the J-10S two-seat trainer, and the J-10CY, developed from the combat-proven J-10C fighter. These supersonic multirole aircraft, designed and manufactured by state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China, represent cutting-edge aerospace technology.
The participation comes amid growing international attention on the J-10 platform, particularly following reports that an export variant of the J-10C achieved its first combat success in regional conflicts last year, highlighting the aircraft’s operational capabilities beyond ceremonial displays.