On September 3, 2025, a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the triumph in the war against Japan was held in Beijing. The event became an chance to present the latest achievements of the Chinese defence industry, including next generation weapons systems.
Nuclear Triad – for the first time in the set
For the first time in past China has presented a complete “nuclear triad” – rocket systems capable of carrying atomic charges from land, sea and air.
Intercontinental terrestrial rockets
Dongfeng-61 (DF-61) – the latest global intercontinental missile, another generation of Chinese strategical systems. The rocket is equipped with advanced anti-missile defence systems.
Dongfeng-31BJ (DF-31BJ) – a modernized version of the proven DF-31 system, characterized by increased mobility and accuracy of targets.
Dongfeng-5C (DF-5C) is the latest version of the rocket program launched in the 1970s. Liquid fuel rocket capable of carrying multiple independent warheads to 1 target, with a scope covering the full globe.
Rockets launched from submarines
Julang-3 (JL-3) is simply a ballistic rocket launched from submarines, a key component of the marine arm of the atomic triad. The strategy provides China with the ability to strike second from hidden underwater platforms.
Aircraft rockets
Jinglei-1 – a long-range rocket carried by aircraft, supplementing the atomic triad with an air component.
Anti-ship hypersonic rocket systems
During the parade advanced hypersonic rockets were presented, which had previously been tested against the models of American aircraft carriers:
Yingji-19 (YJ-19) is simply a fresh generation hypersonic anti-ship rocket capable of maneuvering during flight at a velocity exceeding 5 Mach.
Yingji-17 (YJ-17) is simply a rocket strategy with increased scope and precision, designed to combat large vessels.
Yingji-20 (YJ-20) is the latest anti-ship rocket in Chinese arsenal, equipped with advanced guidance systems.
Yingji-21 (YJ-21) is simply a hypersonic rocket capable of damaging marine and land targets, characterized by advanced maneuverability.
Manoeuvring rockets and precision fire systems
Changjian-20A (CJ-20A) is simply a long-range maneuvering rocket capable of precise harm to strategical objectives.
Changjian-1000 (CJ-1000) is simply a rocket strategy with a scope exceeding 1000 km, designed to attack the critical infrastructure of the opponent.
Yingji-18C (YJ-18C) – a modernized version of an anti-ship rocket with increased effectiveness.
Tactical rocket systems
Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) is simply a mid-range hypersonic rocket capable of neutralizing THAAD rocket defence systems.
Dongfeng-26D (DF-26D) – known as the “Guamu Killer”, a rocket with a scope that allows to fire American bases in the Pacific region. Equipped with systems of “universal weather combat capabilities”.
Breakthrough laser weapon systems
For the first time China presented a complete “triad” of anti-drone systems:
High-energy laser systems
- Laser weapons, advanced power systems capable of neutralising drones by damaging their electronics or structures
- High power microwave systems – energy weapon utilizing microwave radiation to interfere with electronic systems
Kinetic systems
- Anti-drone rocket guns – conventional artillery systems adapted to combat small, fast air purposes
New generation unmanned systems
Air drones
Advanced unmanned systems capable of:
- Strategic recognition
- Specific attacks on ground targets
- Operation in a heavy defended environment
Submarine drones
Unmanned submarines – systems capable of reconnaissance and combat operations under the water surface, constituting a fresh domain of warfare.
Marine drones
Unmanned ship helicopters – systems intended to be taken off ship decks, extending the scope of fleet operations.
Marine and underwater systems
During the parade:
- New generation submarines – with increased operational capabilities
- Watercraft – equipped with the latest combat systems
- Marine mine systems – for control of strategical waters
Air Flag Conservation Squadron
The parade opened a formation of 45 helicopters:
- 3 Z-20 helicopters – universal transport helicopters carrying state flags
- 6 Z-10 helicopters – armed assault helicopters as escorts
- 26 Z-19 helicopters – light combat helicopters in formation “80”
- 3 Z-8L helicopters – dense transport helicopters
- 7 Z-20T helicopters – transport variant in triangular formation
New types of troops in the structure of the Chinese Armed Forces
During today's parade, 3 fresh types of troops were presented for the first time, which were formed as part of the modernization of the Chinese armed forces:
Space Army (军事航天部队)
For the first time in history, the Space Army participated in the parade as a stand-alone kind of strategical troops. This body shall be liable for:
- Secure access to space
- Use of space for defence purposes
- Managing crises in space
- Comprehensive management of satellite operations
Cyberspace troops (网络空间部队)
Cyberspace troops first marched as a stand-alone formation after the reorganization of the command structure. Their tasks include:
- Defense from Cyberattacks
- Detection and neutralisation of network threats
- Protecting the sovereignty of the country
- Security of information infrastructure
Military information support (信息支援部队)
The latest kind of strategical troops, created as key support for information systems. This unit shall:
- Coordinates the construction and usage of information systems
- Provides communication and information flow
- Integrates information resources
- Supports combined operations of all types of troops
Strategic importance of the presentation
The September 3, 2025 parade was a demonstration of the advanced Chinese defence manufacture in key areas:
1. atomic triad – first presented in the set, showing the maturity of Chinese strategical deterrence capabilities
2.Hysonic weapons – Next generation rocket systems capable of breaking existing rocket defence systems
3. Energy weapons – laser and microwave systems representing the future of the battlefield
4. Unmanned systems – air, sea and underwater drones as a fresh domain of warfare
5.War fresh domains – space and cyberspace as a consequence to the evolution of the character of modern conflicts
Geopolitical context
The presentation of advanced weapons systems takes place in the context of expanding tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The following are peculiarly important:
- Anti-ship rockets – straight aimed at US aircraft strike groups
- A2/AD systems – to prevent enemy forces from accessing the region
- Hypersonic weapons – capable of breaking American rocket defence systems
The creation of Space Army and Cyberspace as standalone types of strategical troops reflects Chinese preparations for multi-domain conflicts of the future.
Technological implications
The systems presented show that China has reached a technological parity with the best global standards in the areas of:
- Hypersonic technologies
- Precision guidance systems
- Energy weapons
- Unmanned systems
- Space technologies
Source:
- Reuters – “What weapons China put on display at its military parade” (3 September 2025)
- Official website of the Chinese Military Network (81.cn) – relations with the military parade
- Xinhua Agency – authoritative weapons strategy messages
- CNN – “China’s military parade unveils newest weapons” (3 September 2025)
- South China Morning Post – Analysis of Weapons Systems from the Parade
Leszek B. Glass
Email: [email protected]
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