China is set to display a wide array of new weapons during a massive military parade on Wednesday, in what analysts say is a demonstration of strength aimed at challenging U.S. military dominance.
Military experts have been closely examining photos and videos from recent rehearsal drills. The footage reveals advanced weaponry, including anti-ship missiles, state-of-the-art underwater drones, and sophisticated anti-missile systems, all of which are expected to be showcased along Tiananmen Square on September 3.
While officials have kept the full list of hardware to be displayed in front of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other world leaders under wraps, military enthusiasts have already identified several significant new systems. Among the rumored highlights is a massive laser weapon.
The Chinese military has stated that all equipment showcased is domestically produced and currently “in active duty.”
‘Eagles’ to counter U.S. ships
Observers have spotted four new anti-ship missiles several meters long: the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20. “YJ” stands for “Ying Ji,” which translates to “eagle attack” in Chinese. These missiles can be launched from ships or aircraft and are designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels. The YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 models may even be hypersonic, capable of flying at least five times the speed of sound.
“China must develop powerful anti-ship and anti-aircraft carrier capabilities to prevent the United States from posing a serious threat to China’s national security,” said Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former Chinese army instructor, referring to tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
Underwater drones
Two new, extra-large torpedo-shaped unmanned underwater vehicles have also been spotted during rehearsals. The first, labeled “AJX002,” measures approximately 18 to 20 meters (59–66 feet) in length, according to Naval News. The second drone remains hidden under a tarpaulin, leaving its full specifications unknown.
While China still trails the United States in surface naval power, it is reported by Naval News to operate the world’s largest program of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), with at least five different types already deployed.
Anti-missile shield
Little is known publicly about the HQ-29 system, which some Chinese analysts describe as a “satellite hunter” capable of intercepting missiles at altitudes of up to 500 kilometres (310 miles) — outside the Earth’s atmosphere — as well as satellites in low orbit. Mounted on a wheeled vehicle, the system features two missile containers, each roughly 1.5 metres in diameter, potentially making it China’s most advanced interception system and among the world’s most powerful.
World’s ‘most powerful’ laser?
A large rectangular vehicle, camouflaged and covered with a tarpaulin, could be a defence system designed to shoot down missiles and drones using a high-powered laser, according to the South China Morning Post. An X account linked to the Chinese military, “Zhao DaShuai,” claims it is the “most powerful laser air defence system in the world.”
New nuclear weapons
Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of carrying nuclear warheads are expected to feature prominently in the parade. Analyst Song Zhongping told AFP that China would showcase a “new generation of nuclear weapons” to help balance military power between China and the United States.
New armoured vehicles
Recent observations have also revealed next-generation vehicles, including a new tank slightly smaller than the Type 99A main battle tank, which has reportedly been in service since 2011. If the displayed equipment is indeed domestically produced and operational as China claims, the armed forces have achieved a “significant upgrade compared with other major advanced militaries,” said James Char, a professor specializing in the Chinese military at Nanyang Technological University. However, he added that the actual capabilities of all weapons and equipment cannot be fully assessed under a ceremonial, non-operational setting.
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