The 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Zhuhai Airshow), which kicked off with great fanfare in Guangdong, has attracted the attention of global industry players. However, this year, Saudi Arabia stands out not only as a key attendee but also as a prominent exhibitor, signalling a shift in its approach to defence cooperation and procurement. This move highlights Saudi Arabia's increasing role in the global defence market, particularly its growing partnership with China.
Saudi Arabia: From Buyer to Exhibitor
For years, Saudi Arabia has been a significant player in the global defence market, particularly at airshows like Zhuhai, where it has been known to make substantial purchases of military equipment. However, this year's Zhuhai Airshow marks a departure from the norm. Saudi Arabia, traditionally a buyer of military hardware, has come to the event as an exhibitor, marking a significant shift in its strategy. With a 300-square-meter exhibition space and an ambitious slogan of "Arriving Empty, Leaving Full," Saudi Arabia's presence at the airshow has captured the curiosity of media and attendees alike.
At first glance, the Saudi pavilion appeared sparsely equipped, leading some visitors to wonder what the Kingdom was showcasing. However, as the exhibits began to take shape, it became clear that they focused on cutting-edge defence technology—specifically anti-drone systems. With the growing threats posed by drones in the region, Saudi Arabia's interest in anti-drone technology is a natural progression. The exhibits were carefully designed to highlight their advanced countermeasures, although some were shrouded in mystery, with guides providing vague descriptions until translators clarified the specific products on display.
This shift from being a passive buyer to an active exhibitor is emblematic of Saudi Arabia's evolving role in defence innovation. The Kingdom is no longer just looking to purchase the best products but is also exploring the potential to collaborate, co-develop, and even produce cutting-edge military technologies on its soil.
Saudi Arabia's Clear Intentions
While the Saudi pavilion at Zhuhai may have initially seemed understated, the Kingdom's intentions were clear. Saudi officials were not just present to observe—they were actively engaging with manufacturers, discussing potential partnerships and joint ventures. They emphasized that the Zhuhai Airshow is a massive platform for demonstrating cooperation potential, and Saudi Arabia is eager to develop stronger ties with Chinese defence companies.
With defence spending in Saudi Arabia estimated to be around $70 billion this year, the Kingdom is prepared to make substantial investments. According to sources, Saudi Arabia is interested in more than just purchasing products; it is also interested in building long-term industrial capabilities through collaboration with Chinese firms. This could involve bringing entire production lines to Saudi Arabia, allowing the Kingdom to enhance its domestic defence capabilities and stimulate its broader industrial sector.
Saudi officials have been quite vocal about their plans to use this opportunity to promote the country's defence and military industries and highlight the Kingdom's business-friendly investment climate. This approach aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce the country's reliance on oil by fostering a robust non-oil industrial base, including defence and technology.
One key area of interest for Saudi Arabia at the Zhuhai Airshow is aerospace and defence systems. Saudi officials have shown strong interest in next-generation fighter jets, air defence systems, and ground defence technologies, further solidifying their commitment to bolstering their military capabilities. They aim to tap into China's advanced space technologies and explore cooperation in satellite development and other space-based defence systems.
The types of equipment that have caught Saudi Arabia's eye at the airshow tell of their strategic defence priorities. Saudi Arabia has always been a critical buyer of advanced fighter jets and air defence systems, and this year, the trend continues with a focus on next-generation aerospace technologies. This includes advanced radar systems, electronic warfare platforms, and precision-guided munitions—critical for maintaining air superiority and national security.
One of Saudi Arabia's more notable interests was in counter-drone technology. Given the growing risks posed by drones in the region, Saudi Arabia is keen on acquiring state-of-the-art anti-drone systems to protect critical infrastructure, military assets, and key personnel. These systems offer an effective defence against small, low-cost drones used for surveillance or attack and play a crucial role in modernizing the Kingdom's defence infrastructure.
Additionally, Saudi officials have shown interest in developing robust ground defence systems, such as advanced armoured vehicles and missile systems. By collaborating with China, a leader in producing such technologies, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its military capabilities while fostering stronger industrial ties with one of the world's largest defence exporters.
A New Chapter in Sino-Saudi Cooperation
Saudi Arabia's presence at the Zhuhai Airshow as both an exhibitor and a potential long-term partner signifies a new phase in Sino-Saudi relations, particularly in the defence sector. While the Kingdom has traditionally relied on Western countries for its military procurement, the deepening defence and industrial cooperation with China is a significant development. The Kingdom is now looking beyond mere purchases to building its military-industrial base and technological capabilities in partnership with China.
This partnership aligns with the broader geopolitical trends where China, as a rising global power, seeks to expand its influence in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia, as a regional powerhouse, looks to diversify its international relationships. For China, the growing collaboration with Saudi Arabia represents an important market for its defence products and an opportunity to cement its position as a critical player in the global arms trade.
As both countries continue to strengthen their military and industrial ties, this new chapter in Sino-Saudi cooperation will likely have far-reaching implications for the global defence landscape. The shift from simple transactions to more complex joint ventures will set the stage for a new era of defence collaboration—one where both nations are active participants in shaping the future of global security. The Zhuhai Airshow has proven to be a crucial platform for this transformation.
