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The once-in-a-decade military parade turned into a weapons showcase, unveiling China’s new mix of nuclear missiles, hypersonics, drones and battlefield robots
Maritime operations group displays YJ-15 hypersonic anti-ship missiles during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. (REUTERS)
On Wednesday, China held its largest military parade in a decade, a sprawling, high-security event in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. While the occasion was commemorative in name, the actual focus was elsewhere: the carefully staged showcase of dozens of weapons, some being revealed publicly for the first time and others upgraded versions of long-standing systems.
President Xi Jinping, in a Mao-style suit, declared that China would not bow to intimidation. But the real message was left to the machines. From long-range missiles and hypersonic glide systems to underwater drones and robotic wolves, the parade was less about history and more about presenting the full spectrum of China’s military power.
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Land, Sea, And Air: China’s Full Nuclear Triad Was On Display For The First Time
For the first time, China presented all three legs of its nuclear triad — land-based missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and air-delivered nuclear weapons.
On land, China rolled out the Dongfeng-5C, or DF-5C, a silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile. Firstpost reported its range at over 13,000 kilometres, with capacity for up to ten independently targetable nuclear warheads. The DF-5C is a modernised extension of a programme started in the 1970s, now fitted with multiple warhead options.
Alongside it was the DF-61, a newly unveiled intercontinental ballistic missile mounted on a mobile, eight-wheeled launcher. The missile’s unusually large size immediately drew attention, with Bloomberg reporting that its dimensions suggest it could carry heavier warheads or additional decoys over long distances. While official details remain limited, some US analysts believe the DF-61 may be linked to China’s experimental efforts to develop a fractional orbital bombardment system, a Cold War-era concept where a nuclear warhead briefly enters low Earth orbit before descending unpredictably onto its target.
Completing the triad was the Julang-3, or JL-3, submarine-launched ballistic missile, capable of targeting distant adversaries while launched from waters near China’s coastline.
In the air, the parade included the Jinglei-1, a long-range nuclear missile believed to be carried by bombers. Though technical specifications were limited, Reuters confirmed it was part of the air-based leg of the triad and had not been shown publicly before.
Carrier Killers And Base Busters: Missiles Built For The Indo-Pacific
Several missiles on display were clearly aimed at targets beyond China’s borders, especially American naval assets and bases across the Pacific.
The DF-26D, often dubbed the “Guam Killer”, is an intermediate-range ballistic missile designed to reach US military installations on the island of Guam, nearly 5,000 kilometres away. Firstpost reported that it can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and is fitted with electronic warfare features, including jamming systems to evade interception by American systems like THAAD and Aegis.
China also displayed the YJ-21, a hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile capable of launch from both destroyers and bombers. Bloomberg noted its range as over 600 kilometres and highlighted its speed and versatility. Alongside it were the YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 — anti-ship systems designed to strike carrier groups. The YJ-17, in particular, includes a hypersonic glide vehicle, allowing it to be released from aircraft beyond the reach of enemy air defences and still penetrate through to its target.
Together, these systems expand China’s ability to hold at risk high-value maritime and island-based targets across the Indo-Pacific.
What Makes China’s Hypersonic Arsenal So Hard To Stop
Hypersonic missiles travel faster than Mach 5 and can manoeuvre unpredictably during flight, making them difficult for current missile defence systems to intercept. China used the parade to highlight both dedicated hypersonic systems and those with hypersonic components.
The DF-17 is one of China’s best-known hypersonic platforms, previously shown carrying a glide vehicle capable of evading radar and conventional interceptors. Several anti-ship systems already mentioned — such as the YJ-21 and YJ-17 — also fall within the hypersonic category.
Even the DF-26D, while not a pure hypersonic missile, includes features that allow for evasive terminal manoeuvres and extended speed during its final phase. These capabilities allow such missiles to bypass layered missile defence systems and reduce enemy response time, especially in fast-moving regional conflict scenarios.
From Lasers To Microwaves: China’s Anti-Drone ‘Triad’ Gets A Public Debut
The parade featured a full suite of anti-drone technologies, moving beyond traditional interceptor missiles to include directed-energy weapons.
China’s LY-1 laser system is a mobile platform designed to neutralise low-flying drones with high-energy light beams. These systems can fire repeatedly without reloading, making them efficient against swarms. Bloomberg confirmed the presence of high-powered microwave weapons, which use electromagnetic pulses to disable drone electronics.
Completing this triad of countermeasures were more conventional systems — short-range missiles and automated guns — designed to target drones at varying altitudes and speeds. Chinese state media referred to these collectively as a “triad” of anti-drone systems, mirroring the structure of its strategic nuclear force but applied to a tactical battlefield threat.
Drones In Sky, Wolves On Ground: China’s Autonomous Systems Are Evolving Fast
A key theme of the parade was the integration of autonomous platforms across domains — aerial, underwater, maritime, and ground-based.
The GJ-11 Loyal Wingman drone made another appearance, flying in formation with its manned counterparts. Its designer Deng Shuai told Global Times that the drone acts as a sensor node, ammunition carrier, and intelligent assistant, capable of engaging targets or supporting manned aircraft in high-risk missions.
Underwater, China displayed the AJX002, an extra-large unmanned submarine measuring up to 20 metres. Bloomberg reported that it could support reconnaissance, mine-laying, or even nuclear roles. Its sheer size points to extended operational range and endurance.
Unmanned helicopters and stealth surface vessels were also shown, with several featuring concealed antennas and hull shapes designed to minimise radar signature. These ships are believed to be capable of operating either with or without crew.
On the ground, China unveiled its latest robotic quadrupeds, referred to as robot wolves. State broadcaster CCTV noted that they are an improvement on earlier robot dogs and can conduct supply delivery, frontline reconnaissance, and potentially even precision strikes. Their inclusion suggests China is looking to integrate robotics into close-range ground operations in high-risk areas.
Tanks, Rockets And Modular Firepower: What Ground Combat Systems Were Featured
The 99B main battle tank led the armoured vehicle column. This is a third-generation tank equipped with an active protection system that includes radar-based fire control and interceptor launchers, designed to protect the vehicle from anti-tank missiles or loitering munitions. Firstpost reported that the system includes projectile-based defence measures that activate once threats are detected.
The PHL-16, a modular multiple launch rocket system, was also showcased. Built by Norinco, the PHL-16 features an adaptable launcher that can switch between different rocket types depending on mission requirements. It supports 300 mm and 370 mm rockets and can also launch tactical ballistic missiles such as the Fire Dragon 480, which has a reported range of up to 500 kilometres. The platform is often compared to the US HIMARS for its mobility, rapid-fire capability, and modular payload design.
What The Hardware Alone Tells Us About China’s Military Thinking
The weapons on display were not just diverse; they were deeply integrated. Each system addressed a specific domain or operational gap, whether in strategic deterrence, regional denial, or tactical defence. From deep-sea drone submarines to robot-assisted ground units, and from hypersonic anti-ship missiles to mobile laser batteries, the PLA used the parade to show how far its modernisation efforts have come.
About the Author
Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar…Read More
Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar… Read More
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