At the Eurosatory international defense exhibition, held from 15-19/6 in Paris, France, China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) displayed a miniature model detailing the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production process, from component manufacturing and parts fabrication to complete assembly and testing.
Another section of the booth showcased models of the CY-8 transport UAV, the Z-6B unmanned helicopter, and various loitering munitions. According to Chinese media, the CY-8 is the world's largest transport UAV, boasting a payload capacity of up to 3,5 tons.
 |
A model of Norinco's UAV production line at the Eurosatory exhibition in France, pictured on 15/6. Photo: Calibre Defence |
Norinco is one of China's largest defense enterprises.
According to SCMP, it is rare for a state-owned Chinese defense conglomerate to showcase a weapons manufacturing line at an overseas exhibition, as neither domestic media nor international observers typically gain access to such production systems. Norinco's move appears to signal its plans to expand UAV production overseas.
"It is not difficult to transfer UAV assembly lines to friendly nations once conditions are met, similar to how China once transferred some lines to Pakistan", commented Song Zhongping, a Beijing-based military commentator.
Expert Song noted that China appears to be considering transferring these lines to several Middle Eastern countries, amidst growing demand for UAVs in the region. "Core components could be provided for these nations to undertake local production, should buyers express such a need", he added.
Norinco is actively working to expand its UAV exports, as these weapons play an increasingly significant role in modern warfare.
The Middle East also remains Beijing's most important UAV export market. Reconnaissance and armed versions of the Wing Loong UAV series, from the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, have been sold to 11 countries in the region, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) arms company in Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norinco in 12/2025 to co-produce military UAVs based on China's ASN-209 series, with up to 85% of the aircraft potentially being manufactured in Egypt.
Pham Giang (According to SCMP, CNN, Reuters)
