Beijing, China, witnessed a massive military parade on Wednesday where the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) showcased a wide array of new-generation weapons, signalling a strong display of military might. The event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory against Japanese aggression in World War II, highlighted advanced technologies, including laser weapons, nuclear-capable missiles, hypersonic arms, stealth aircraft, drones, and battle tanks.
China Displays LY-1 Laser Weapon, DF-5C ICBM, and Full Nuclear Triad
A major highlight was the unveiling of the LY-1 laser weapon, mounted on an HZ-155 armoured truck, designed to damage the optical sensors of enemy equipment. Chinese defense analysts believe it will reshape maritime warfare. This development came shortly after India’s successful test of a laser-based Directed-Energy Weapons system, which Chinese experts acknowledged as a significant advancement.
Among the strategic displays was the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, with a range exceeding 20,000 km and the ability to carry up to 10 warheads, enabling simultaneous targeting of multiple locations. The JL-1 air-launched nuclear missile, the JL-3 submarine-based missile, and other systems such as the DF-61 and DF-31 together demonstrated China’s complete “land, sea, and air triad” nuclear strike capability. The DF-26D intermediate-range missile, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, was also featured.
PLA Parade Features Five Stealth Jets, AI Drones, and Type 99B Battle Tank
For the first time, five models of China’s fifth-generation stealth fighters J-20, J-20A, J-20S, J-35A, and the Navy’s J-35 flew in formation, marking the debut of the twin-seat J-20S stealth jet. Supporting these were advanced missiles such as the CJ-1000 supersonic cruise missile, YJ-18C ship-launched cruise missile, YJ-21 air-launched ballistic missile, and new hypersonic strike weapons like the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20.
The parade also displayed PLA’s multi-layered air defense systems. These included the HQ-20, HQ-22A, and HQ-29 exoatmospheric interception systems, capable of tackling drones, aircraft, ballistic missiles, and even hypersonic glide vehicles. On the ground, the Type 99B fourth-generation main battle tank made its debut, featuring an unmanned turret, advanced sensors, augmented reality systems, and suitability for high-altitude warfare. China further highlighted AI-driven drones, underwater unmanned systems, the naval H-6J bomber, the Y-20A and Y-20B transport aircraft, and airborne warning planes like the KJ-500A and KJ-600. Collectively, the display projected China’s growing military modernization, global strike capabilities, and technological edge in future warfare domains.
Summary:
China’s grand military parade in Beijing showcased advanced weaponry, including the LY-1 laser system, DF-5C ICBM, and a full nuclear triad. Highlights included five stealth fighter models, hypersonic missiles, AI-driven drones, new air defense systems, and the Type 99B battle tank, underscoring China’s rapid military modernization and global strike capabilities.
