Changchun — The 2025 Aviation Open-Day is turning heads and shaking skies in northeast China. Held from September 19 to 23, this five-day spectacle in Changchun is more than an air show—it’s a full-throttle demonstration of the PLA Air Force’s combat strength, technological confidence, and strategic ambition.
Fighter jets roar overhead. Stealth aircraft glide in formation. Unmanned systems stand poised on the tarmac. For thousands of spectators, defense analysts, and foreign observers, the event offers a rare, close-up look at China’s evolving air power.
2025 Aviation Open-Day: A Legacy of Power and Public Engagement
Launched in 2011, the Aviation Open-Day has become a signature showcase for the PLA Air Force. Hosted regularly in Changchun, it serves multiple goals: building public trust, inspiring youth, and demonstrating transparency in military modernization.
This year’s theme, “Chasing Dreams in the Sky, Securing Victory for the Future,” reflects China’s dual ambition—national pride and global presence. Over the years, the event has evolved from ceremonial flyovers to realistic combat simulations, unveiling new aircraft, tactics, and training achievements.
Combat Maneuvers at 2025 Aviation Open-Day Reflect Real Missions
This year’s aerial performances focus on realism. The YU-20A aerial tanker stunned audiences with a serpentine flight path at just 200 meters altitude. Banking sharply left and right, the aircraft simulated evasive action against enemy ground fire. These moves weren’t just dramatic—they were tactical.
The YU-20A also performed steep dives and tight turns, showcasing agility and precision. According to pilot Li Xiao, such maneuvers are part of routine training for frontline units. They reflect how the PLA Air Force prepares for real-world combat.
J-10 fighter jets added to the spectacle with low-speed level flight at 200 kilometers per hour. Flying with a high angle of attack, they demonstrated terrain penetration and pilot control under pressure. Flight instructor Zhang Li described the performance as a test of both machine and mastery.
Coordinated Formations and Strategic Synergy
Beyond solo displays, the event highlighted integrated combat formations. A KJ-500 early warning aircraft flew alongside four J-20 stealth fighters, simulating a coordinated strike scenario. The pairing illustrated how China’s air assets operate in synergy—combining surveillance, command, and offense.
In another segment, a YU-20A tanker flew with two J-16 fighters in pre-refueling formation. The dual-point aerial refueling extended mission range and supported long-distance deployments. J-16 pilot Wu Haoran emphasized that these formations reflect daily training, not just performance.
These coordinated maneuvers show how the PLA Air Force is evolving toward joint operations and networked warfare. The emphasis is no longer on individual aircraft—it’s on strategic integration.
Stealth and Innovation on Display at 2025 Aviation Open-Day
For the first time, the J-20 stealth fighter was displayed on the ground. Visitors examined its contours, weapon bays, and radar-absorbing skin. This move signals a shift from secrecy to strategic openness. Military expert Zhang Xuefeng noted that the exhibition reflects growing confidence in China’s fifth-generation technology.
Also featured was the J-6 unmanned aircraft, a retrofitted Cold War-era jet. Now serving as both a target drone and a strike platform, the J-6 showcases China’s ability to repurpose legacy systems. Zhang described this innovation as a hallmark of the PLA’s adaptive strategy.
The static exhibitions allow the public to engage directly with strategic assets, reinforcing the PLA Air Force’s message of transparency and technological advancement.
Inside the PLA Air Force Structure
The PLA Air Force is one of the world’s largest, with an estimated 400,000 personnel. Its fleet includes stealth fighters, multirole jets, strategic bombers, early warning aircraft, aerial tankers, and reconnaissance drones. The Air Force plays a central role in defending national airspace, supporting joint operations, and projecting power across the Indo-Pacific.
China’s air doctrine emphasizes joint force integration, electronic warfare, and long-range precision strikes. The 2025 Aviation Open-Day reflects these priorities through realistic demonstrations and coordinated formations.
Changchun Air Show Adds Civil-Military Fusion
Running parallel to the open-day, the Changchun Air Show spans over 2.3 million square meters. It features six themed pavilions and more than 200 exhibitors, including defense giants like AVIC and AECC. The layout blends military tech, civilian aviation, and science outreach.
Aerobatic teams like Red Hawk and Sky Wing introduced new routines focused on flight aesthetics and crowd engagement. These performances combine entertainment with strategic messaging, reinforcing the PLA’s public narrative.
Final Takeaway: 2025 Aviation Open-Day Signals Confidence in the Skies
The 2025 Aviation Open-Day is more than a public relations exercise. It’s a window into China’s evolving military doctrine and technological confidence. Through real-combat maneuvers, integrated formations, and open exhibitions, the PLA is crafting a narrative of readiness and reach.
As the jets land and the crowds disperse, one message remains clear: the PLA Air Force is no longer rising—it’s soaring.
