Nuclear, Hypersonic And Laser Weapons On Show At China's Military Parade

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday (3 September) oversaw a massed military parade in central Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The event featured an extensive display of weapons systems by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including missiles, drones, laser weapons, and naval platforms, according to a Reuters report.

Missile Systems

The parade marked the first time China presented its complete “nuclear triad” of nuclear-capable weapons launched from land, sea, and air.

The systems included the Jinglei-1, a long-range air-launched missile; the Julang-3, a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile; and the land-based Dongfeng-61 (DF-61) and Dongfeng-31 intercontinental missiles.

State news agency Xinhua described these as strategic assets designed to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and dignity.

The Dongfeng-5C (DF-5C), with an estimated range of more than 20,000 kilometers, was also displayed. It is the latest version of a missile programme that began in the 1970s.

The DF-5C is liquid-fuelled and capable of carrying and releasing multiple independent warheads aimed at a single target.

The missile section additionally featured hypersonic anti-ship missiles, including the Yingji-19, Yingji-17, and Yingji-20, which China has previously tested against mock targets resembling aircraft carriers.

Cruise missile systems on display included the Changjian-20A, Yingji-18C, and Changjian-1000.

Other advanced hypersonic weapons included the Yingji-21, Dongfeng-17, and Dongfeng-26D, with state media describing them as equipped with “all-weather combat capabilities.”

Laser Weapons

The PLA presented its developments in directed-energy weapons, focused on anti-drone operations.

The full range of systems shown comprised a missile gun, high-energy laser weapons, and high-power microwave weapons.

State media characterised this grouping as a new “triad” in the PLA’s anti-drone arsenal.

Drone Systems

Unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles were also displayed. These included drones capable of reconnaissance and strike missions, as well as unmanned helicopters designed for launch from ships.

The PLA’s sea-based systems showcased during the parade included submarines, surface vessels, and a mine-laying system.

Naval and Joint Capabilities

The combined display of missile, drone, and laser weapon technologies highlighted integrated systems across China’s land, sea, and air forces. Many of the systems had not previously been shown in public.

The parade, attended by leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, was held in central Beijing as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the second World War.

Please click here to add Swarajya as your preferred and trusted news source on Google.

Also Read: China Shows Off Jet-Powered VTOL Drone That Could 'Turn Every Warship Into Aircraft Carrier'