Beijing, Sep 3 (PTI) - In a display of formidable military prowess, China showcased its advanced arsenal for the first time during a grand military parade, highlighting an array of cutting-edge weaponry including laser systems, nuclear ballistic missiles, giant underwater drones, and fifth-generation aircraft. The event marked the 80th anniversary of China's triumph against Japanese aggression in World War II.
Among the debuting arsenal was the LY-1 laser weapon, captivating attention at the People's Liberation Army (PLA) parade. Mounted on an eight-wheeled HZ-155 armored truck, the LY-1 aims to disrupt and damage the optical sensors of enemy systems, with Chinese defense analysts predicting it will redefine maritime warfare.
Laser warfare is gaining ground as a new military domain. Recent developments include India’s successful test of an integrated air defense weapon system, boasting a high-power laser-based Directed-Energy Weapons (DEW) system. This advancement drew commendation from a Chinese military expert, recognizing it as a “significant advancement.”
For the first time, China revealed a new type of DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile. According to the Global Times, these missiles boast an estimated range exceeding 20,000 kilometers, with enhanced defense penetration and precision capabilities. They can potentially cover the entire globe, ensuring China’s strategic deterrence is both credible and reliable.
The PLA also displayed its inaugural air-launched nuclear missile, the JL-1, perched atop a military truck. It is significantly smaller compared to the submarine-based JL-3 intercontinental ballistic missile. Official media lauds the exhibition as the initial concentrated showcase of the PLA's “land, sea and air triad strategic nuclear forces”—a strategic advantage for national security.
The DF-5C missile, capable of carrying up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle warheads, signifies that a single missile can target multiple locations concurrently, emphasizing China’s capacity for effective retaliatory strikes in adverse conditions.
The PLA Rocket Force also unveiled the DF-26D, an iteration of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads with an approximate range of 5,000 kilometers.
Showcasing its aerial might, China debuted its fifth-generation combat planes, showcasing models—the J-20, J-20A, J-20S, and J-35A from the PLA Air Force, alongside the PLA Navy's J-35—in an unprecedented parade spectacle.
This parade marked the world debut of key models such as the J-20S, touted as the world's first twin-seat stealth jet; the upgraded single-seat J-20A; and the J-35, the Navy's premier radar-evading combat aircraft. These developments address the previous air-based nuclear weapon gap, enriching China’s strategic deterrent arsenal.
The parade also featured various strategic missiles, including the CJ-1000 vehicle-mounted supersonic cruise missile and the YJ-18C ship-launched cruise missile. Noteworthy were four new types of hypersonic strike missiles—YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20—demonstrating the Navy’s ability to conduct ultrafast, precision strikes across distances and against both naval and terrestrial targets.
The PLA showcased its multi-tiered air and missile defense systems, introducing the HQ-20 and HQ-22A anti-aircraft missile systems along with the HQ-29 exoatmospheric missile interception system. Wang Yanan, from Aerospace Knowledge magazine, emphasized the HQ-19’s capability to counter hypersonic glide vehicles, notorious for their speed and agility.
Highlighting China’s air-defense advancements, the HQ-29—China’s largest surface-to-air missile system—was exhibited, designed to intercept threats outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
The parade also spotlighted China’s tanks, especially the fourth-generation main battle tank featuring an unmanned turret, an advanced radar, and robust protection systems. The Type 99B tank debuted as the latest variant of China’s third-generation tank series, engineered to operate in challenging terrains like Tibet.
The 99A version, weighing 55 tons and featuring a 125mm-caliber gun, was noted for its active protection systems. Multiple sensors enhance battlefield awareness, capable of identifying potential threats effectively.
Featured missile systems, like the HQ-20, HQ-22A, and HQ-29, are primed for engaging diverse threats, ranging from aircraft to ballistic missiles. Zhang Xuefeng, a retired PLA officer, emphasized their role in intercepting conventional threats.
China’s parade also introduced underwater drones and the H-6J naval bomber, ushering a modern look at long-range aerial warfare capabilities. Advanced AI-equipped drones, including reconnaissance-strike integrated drones and unscrewed air combat aircraft, demonstrated capabilities in stealth operations and autonomous swarm formations.
Accompanying these innovations were strategic transport aircraft such as the Y-20A and its upgraded variant, the Y-20B, along with the KJ-500A and KJ-600 airborne early-warning systems, enhancing the PLA's strategic airlift ability. -
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