On September 23, the 2025 PLA Air Force Aviation Open Day and Changchun Air Show concluded amid cheers and applause. Over the course of five days, multiple flight and parachute performance teams, along with front-line combat units, took to the skies. More than 100 types of active-duty Air Force aircraft, ground equipment, and decommissioned classic equipment were on display.

Continuing with the theme of "Pursuing Dreams in the Sky, Securing the Future", this year's event comprehensively presented the historical inheritance and new achievements in the modernization of the PLA Air Force through flight demonstrations, equipment exhibitions, and interactive experiences. Compared to previous editions, it is larger in scale, richer in content, and offers a more engaging experience.　　

Pursuing Dreams in the Sky, Demonstrating the Ambition to Secure the Future

Against a clear blue sky, four J-20 fighter jets flew in opposing pairs, crossing paths from different directions and altitudes. Their tail flames glowing, the thunderous roar of the jets echoed across the sky, earning rapturous applause.　

"Integrating training with performance, every maneuver embodies real combat concepts. The four-ship tactical crossing simulates combat actions in a complex battlefield situation, where multiple aircraft groups encounter each other, involving seizing favorable attack positions, executing high-speed strikes, and disengaging rapidly."

A pair of J-16 fighter jets broke through the clouds, performing air combat spirals to demonstrate their excellent combat capability. The Air Force aviation unit flying the J-16 is an elite force that has risen in the practice of strengthening the military in the new era. In Air Force combat competitions, seven of its pilots have won the "Golden Helmet" eight times, and the unit has won the "Skyhawk Cup" team award three times.

The Y-20A tanker performed a series of advanced maneuvers, including rapid dives, low-altitude reverse maneuvers, steep turns, and serpentine moves, showcasing the pilots' superb skills and the advanced performance of this key national asset.

Using the vast sky as their canvas, two JL-8 trainer aircraft from the "Red Eagle" Aerobatic Team climbed gently, then gracefully separated and crossed, with their smoke trails drawing a giant heart against the blue sky. All pilots from the Team are flight instructors at the Aviation University of Air Force, and this time they performed 19 aerobatic maneuvers. "Flight demonstration is not only a show, but also a display of combat capability." This year, 16 types of aircraft took part in aerial displays. Combat aircraft from front-line units soared in formation, while demonstrations included airborne troop parachute drops and counter-terrorism assault operations, all brilliantly showcasing the PLA Air Force's firm resolve to pursue dreams in the sky and secure the future.

Static Display: Conveying the Confidence and Pride of a Strong Military and Nation.

While aircraft roared in the sky, key national assets stood on display on the ground. Outside the flight demonstration area, over 100 active-duty Air Force aircraft, ground equipment, and decommissioned classic equipment were showcased, with the J-20 fighter jet's maiden static display drawing the most attention.

"The J-20 is China's first self-developed fifth-generation stealth fighter," said Gong Feng, Chief Technologist at AVIC. "Its strong system-of-systems combat capability allows it to work with other equipment such as early-warning aircraft and UAVs, achieving a leap from single-aircraft combat to coordinated system operations."

Visitors could do more than just look; they could get up close for a hands-on experience. This year's event opened the cabins of aircraft like the Y-20A, allowing visitors to enter and experience firsthand the unique charm of these key national assets.

The Indoor Exhibits: Equally Impressive and Full of Highlights.

Upon entering the Air Force Pavilion at the Aviation Culture Exhibition Center, AVIC's booth drew considerable attention. Large-scale models of aircraft like the J-20S, J-35A, and YY-20A, which had proudly participated in the military parade, stood prominently at the center of the booth, becoming a focal point. "We have set up three exhibition areas: 'Strengthening the Military through Equipment', 'Benefiting the Nation and People', and 'Forging the Spirit and Strengthening the Foundation', showcasing the powerful force of the spirit of serving the nation through aviation in advancing the cause of building a strong military and a strong nation in the new era."

This event brought together more than 200 enterprises, covering the entire aviation industry chain. Central and state-owned enterprises such as AVIC and AECC presented key platforms, while private companies also showcased cutting-edge technologies.　

Heartwarming Interactions: Planting the Seeds of Dreams to Protect the Blue Skies.

As the roar of their engines faded, the J-20 fighter jets touched down smoothly after their tactical demonstration. The pilots moved the aircraft's control surfaces and waved to the audience, as cheers filled the Dafangshen Airport.

In addition to pilots' heartfelt interactions with the audience, the event also set up immersive experience areas for flight simulations, drone operation, and parachuting. It also featured Air Force-themed exhibition halls, along with sections on pilot recruitment, as well as admissions for air traffic control and ground support specialties. Military camp open days were organized simultaneously, offering the public a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of the Air Force and bringing them closer to aerospace culture and Air Force history.

"Flying is the fusion of wisdom and courage, while spaceflight is the voyage of technology and faith. "In any profession, one should be devoted to the nation, passionate about their calling, resilient in the face of challenges, and courageous to press ahead."

In recent days, the Air Force pilot recruitment section organized several salons to share growth stories of astronauts and pilots with young cadets and teenagers, inspiring more youth to pursue their dreams.

This event also highlighted the growth stories of pilots, with eight progressive stages designed to combine education with entertainment, helping the public get closer to and grow fonder of the Air Force.

Source: Changchun Government Affairs  Editor: Liu Jiadi