Held biennially, the event is a major calendar date for the industry, featuring dynamic flying displays that allow pilots to demonstrate the technical superiority of their aircraft. This year, the spotlight fell on a Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKM fighter jet, with its performance widely regarded as the most impressive of the event.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates a fleet of 18 Su-30MKM aircraft, a variant custom-built by Russia to meet specific national requirements. Military experts classify it as one of the world's most advanced Su-30 versions, distinguishing itself by integrating the raw combat power of the Su-30MKI with sophisticated avionics systems from France and South Africa.

A Malaysian Su-30MKM climbs sharply and deploys countermeasure flares during its display at the airshow. Video by Singapore Ministry of Defense.

The Bayi Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force made a headline-grabbing show debut of its Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, an aircraft whose export variant, the J-10CE, surged to prominence in 2025 when customer Pakistan used it to shoot down an Indian Air Force French Rafale.

Chinese state media reported the team had used mid-air refueling to fly directly to Singapore for the high-profile deployment, Reuters reported.

The 10th Singapore Airshow opened on Tuesday at the Changi Exhibition Center and runs until Feb. 8.

The J-10C fighter jet is attracting a lot of attention at the Singapore Airshow, marking its first appearance at the event since reportedly achieving its first aerial kills in a high-stakes regional conflict last year.

Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the single-engine, 4+ generation multirole fighter features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and is compatible with cutting-edge weaponry, including PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles.

Reuters reported in June last year that Indonesia was weighing a potential purchase of China's J-10 fighter jets, alongside its ongoing evaluation of other aircraft like U.S.-made F-15EX fighters. The article quotes Indonesian officials saying the country was still evaluating the option, including compatibility and pricing considerations.

China's aerobatic team appeared at the Singapore Airshow as Beijing seeks to boost fighter jet exports, particularly to countries unable to procure Western aircraft, according to the South China Morning Post.

As reported by Reuters, Southeast Asian defense officials crowded Chinese military and aerospace booths, underscoring Beijing’s growing pull as it aggressively markets hardware across the region.

The J-10C is widely regarded as a 4.5-generation fighter, featuring upgraded avionics, limited stealth characteristics and enhanced agility.

In recent months, media reports have also claimed the jet scored a long-range kill against a French-built Rafale using a Chinese missile during last year’s India-Pakistan confrontation, according to Business Insider.

Singapore’s Air Force also staged displays featuring F-16C fighter jets and AH-64D Apache attack helicopters.

Singaporean F-16C fighters, AH-64D Apache helicopters and Australia’s F-35A stealth fighters take part in flying displays. Video by Singapore Ministry of Defense

An Australian Air Force F-35A flies past the grandstand with its internal weapons bay doors open.

The U.S. Air Force also deployed two F-35A aircraft to the event, but these were limited to static display and did not take part in aerial performances.

Photos by AFP, Reuters

Subsidiary of VnExpress

License number: 71/GP-CBC, Ministry of Information andCommunications, September 22, 2021

Editor-in-Chief: Pham Van Hieu

Email: evne@vnexpress.netTel: 028 7300 9999 - Ext 8556

10th floor, Block A FPT Tower, 10 Pham Van Bach, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi

\ Your messages *\ \

\ \

\ \