Norinco displaying a model assembly line at a top defence exhibition could mean the firm hopes to make more weapons overseas
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenSeong Hyeon Choiin ParisPublished: 10:00pm, 15 Jun 2026One of China’s largest defence contractors displayed a model of a drone assembly line at a leading international defence exhibition, hinting that the firm is planning to make more of the weapons overseas.The state-run North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) displayed the model during this year’s Eurosatory, one of the world’s largest exhibitions of army weaponry, which is being held in Paris this week.
The miniature depicted the manufacture of several Norinco drones, such as the BZK-005E reconnaissance aircraft – which is currently operated in Indonesia, Mauritania and reportedly Sudan.
The assembly line showed the production of parts and components, final assembly and testing. A graphic in the Norinco booth also described how the explosives and propellants used in the drones are made.
Behind the miniature assembly line hung a banner that read “Norinco defence localisation”.
