On a significant Wednesday, a grand military parade rolled through central Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat and the end of the Second World War. This event, hailed as the largest military parade in China’s history, was far more than a ceremonial commemoration; it was a carefully orchestrated display of advanced weaponry, designed to project China’s rapidly evolving military prowess onto the global stage. Presided over by Xi Jinping, flanked by leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, the spectacle underscored Beijing’s clear message: its vision for a new world order will be backed by high-tech arms that challenge existing rivals.
The sheer volume and sophistication of the military hardware showcased presented a vivid picture of China’s strategic shift. For years, the global perception often focused on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as a force emphasizing numbers. However, this parade unequivocally revealed a pivot from high-volume to high-tech warfare, with a focus on capabilities that would seem, in many cases, to be ahead of its rivals. From nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to advanced anti-ship systems and novel underwater drones, the display offered a sobering glimpse into the future of modern conflict and China’s ambition to be at its forefront.
Experts and analysts globally paid close attention, parsing through the array of new systems to understand the implications for regional and global security. The parade served as a powerful declaration of China’s indigenous capability to develop, deploy, and rapidly scale advanced military technologies. This first section will delve into five of the most critical revelations from the parade, examining China’s burgeoning strategic missile arsenal and its groundbreaking advancements in underwater warfare, all of which contribute to its formidable, high-tech military posture.
1. **Dong Feng-5C (DF-5C) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)**The Dong Feng-5C, a new variant of the nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), emerged as one of the most significant revelations during the parade. This silo-based missile has drawn particular attention for its formidable capabilities, signaling a substantial enhancement in China’s long-range strategic deterrence. State media Global Times reported that the DF-5C intercontinental strategic nuclear missile has the “entire globe under its strike range,” underscoring its expansive reach and potential global impact.
Experts analyzing the DF-5C note its estimated range of more than 20,000km, a capability that places the continental United States and Western Europe well within its reach. Furthermore, it is believed to be capable of delivering a single nuclear warhead with an explosive yield of three to four megatons of TNT, which is equivalent to approximately 200 times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Such destructive potential significantly amplifies China’s nuclear arsenal and its role in global strategic calculations.
Adding to its strategic importance, the new variant of the Dong Feng 5C is capable of carrying up to 12 warheads on a single missile, according to experts. This multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) capability enhances its ability to penetrate missile defenses and strike multiple targets simultaneously, making it an even more potent threat. The deployment of the DF-5C underscores China’s commitment to strengthening its “second strike capability”—the ability to launch a retaliatory strike if attacked.
Song Zhongping, a former PLA instructor, highlighted the historical significance of the DF-5 series, stating, “Without the DF-5, China wouldn’t be regarded as a nation with credible intercontinental strike capability. It was instrumental in China’s emergence as a nuclear power, demonstrating to the world that China must be taken seriously.” The DF-5C’s debut further solidifies this legacy, presenting a clear statement of China’s advanced nuclear capabilities to the world, particularly to nations like the United States, whose power projection into vital Indo-Pacific domains is increasingly challenged.
Military equipment: DF-5
IsMissile: true
Name: DF-5/CSS-4
Type: ICBM
Origin: China
VehicleRange: convert
Filling: MIRV
Yield: 4–5 Mt (non-MIRV warhead) or 12 x 1 Mt (MIRVs)
Engine: multistage rocket,Liquid-propellant rocket
PayloadCapacity: 8000kg
Guidance: Inertial guidance system
Accuracy: 800 m
Abbr: out
Speed: Mach 22 (26,950 km/h; 16,745 mph; 7.486 km/s)
Length: 32.6 m
Diameter: 3.35 m
Weight: 183 t
Lk: out
Manufacturer: Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Machinery Co.)
Service: 1981–present
UsedBy: People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force
LaunchPlatform: Missile launch facility
Categories: 1971 in spaceflight, All articles with dead YouTube links, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles with dead YouTube links from February 2022
Summary: The Dongfeng 5 (simplified Chinese: 东风-5; traditional Chinese: 東風-5; pinyin: Dōng Fēng Wǔ; lit. ‘East Wind 5’) or DF-5 is a second-generation two stage Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile. It has a length of 32.6 m and a diameter of 3.35 m. It weighs in at 183,000 kilograms and it has an estimated range of 13,000 to 16,000 kilometers. The DF-5 had its first flight in 1971 and was in operational service 10 years later. One of the limitations of the missile is that it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to load with liquid fuel (UDMH) and N2O4 oxidiser.
By 2012, the DF-5 was planned to be replaced by the solid-fuelled DF-41. Around 2015, the newest variant DF-5B force are believed to have received a MIRV upgrade; according to Business Insider, with DF-5B: “China has the ability to deliver nuclear warheads nearly anywhere on earth (outside of South America, at least)”.
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2. **Dong Feng-61 (DF-61) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)**Another groundbreaking revelation at the parade was the debut of the Dong Feng-61, an ICBM that took analysts by surprise with its sheer size and advanced capabilities. Carried on an eight-axle truck, this massive missile signifies a critical addition to China’s arsenal and represents the PLA Rocket Force’s first new ICBM since the DF-41 was introduced in 2019. Its mobile platform underscores a strategic advantage, allowing for greater survivability against pre-emptive strikes and enhancing its operational flexibility.
The DF-61 is believed to be China’s most advanced ICBM after the DF-41, which already boasts an impressive range of 14,000 km. Experts like Rick Fisher, a senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center think tank, had previously speculated about this missile, sometimes referring to it as the DF-45 or DF-51, and noted it was “clearly intended to outperform the DF-41.” This suggests an ambitious leap in performance, aiming for even greater reach and payload capacity.
Estimates for the new missile’s range place it between 11,999 to 15,000 km, firmly positioning it as a weapon capable of reaching distant targets across continents. The introduction of the DF-61 further diversifies China’s ICBM capabilities, contributing to a robust land, sea, and air triad strategic nuclear force. Its display indicates that the PLA Rocket Force is rapidly modernizing its long-range missile operations, ensuring a multi-layered and resilient deterrent strategy.
The unveiling of the DF-61 sends a clear message about China’s indigenous military development capabilities. It demonstrates an ability to innovate and deploy advanced strategic weapons independently, without reliance on foreign suppliers. This self-sufficiency is a critical factor in Beijing’s long-term military strategy, allowing it to pursue its strategic objectives without external coercion and further closing the military technology gap with rivals like the United States.
Military equipment: Dongfeng (missile)
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Summary: The Dongfeng (Chinese: 东风; lit. ‘East Wind’) series, typically abbreviated as “DF missiles”, are a family of short, medium, intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles operated by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (formerly the Second Artillery Corps).
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3. **DF-26D “Guam Killer” Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)**The PLA Rocket Force also prominently displayed its new DF-26D, a variant of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile, famously dubbed the “Guam Killer.” This specific designation highlights its primary strategic purpose: to target the distant U.S. military facilities on Guam, which serve as a core element of any U.S. military response against a Chinese threat in the Indo-Pacific region. Its presence in the parade underscores China’s intent to challenge American power projection in its immediate neighborhood.
The DF-26D boasts an impressive range of almost 5,000 km, placing it well within striking distance of key U.S. military installations across the Pacific. What makes this missile particularly potent is its dual-capability; it can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, providing Beijing with flexible response options depending on the nature of a conflict. This versatility adds a layer of complexity for adversary defense planning, as the payload’s nature would not be immediately identifiable.
Crucially, the DF-26D incorporates sophisticated navigation, electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures, and jamming systems designed to evade interception. These technological upgrades are engineered to enhance its precision and capacity to bypass American and allied defensive systems, such as Patriot, THAAD, and Aegis—considered some of the most potent counter-missile systems in the U.S. arsenal. The missile’s ability to vex these advanced defenses represents a significant leap in China’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategy.
U.S. analysts have long expressed concern over the DF-26D, recognizing that this new Chinese system significantly erodes American power projection into vital Indo-Pacific domains. By posing a credible threat to aircraft carriers and other high-value naval assets, the DF-26D has forced the U.S. Navy to plan for operations well beyond traditional standoff ranges. Its display at the parade served as a stark reminder of China’s evolving capabilities, directly impacting strategic calculations in the contested waters of the Western Pacific.
4. **YJ-Series Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missiles (YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, YJ-20, YJ-21)**The parade confirmed widespread speculation regarding China’s advanced anti-ship missiles, prominently showcasing the YJ-series, specifically mentioning the YJ-17, alongside its pre-existing YJ-15, YJ-19, and YJ-20 hypersonic missiles. These “Ying Ji” or “eagle attack” missiles are a cornerstone of China’s naval strategy, designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels and challenge naval superiority in the region. The YJ-21, notably dubbed the “carrier killer,” is particularly intended for use against high-value naval targets, emphasizing its anti-carrier role.
China’s rapid advancements in hypersonic weapons technology have drawn global attention, primarily because of their ability to evade traditional defense systems. These YJ missiles are capable of supersonic speeds, with the YJ-21 likely having a range over 600km, according to reports. Their irregular flight trajectories make them exceptionally difficult to track and intercept, presenting a significant challenge to conventional naval defenses. This evasive capability is a game-changer in naval warfare, potentially neutralizing the advantage of large aircraft carrier strike groups.
Originally designed for sea launch, the YJ-series also sees variants deployed from aircraft, extending their reach and tactical flexibility. Military commentator Wei Dongxu explained that such aircraft-launched variants could be fired from bombers “outside enemy air defense zones, penetrate interceptors and destroy targets before quickly returning to base.” This standoff capability enhances the survivability of launch platforms and allows for attacks deep inside enemy territory, adding another layer of threat to naval operations.
Combined with other anti-ship missiles, the display of the YJ-17, YJ-19, YJ-20, and YJ-21 sends an unambiguous message: U.S. aircraft carriers and other naval assets are vulnerable anywhere in the region. This focus on missiles is a key part of China’s deterrence strategy to counter the U.S.’s naval superiority, which traditionally relies on its massive fleet of aircraft carriers. Beijing is not only strengthening deterrence but also creating a formidable capability to challenge the operational freedom of naval forces in the Indo-Pacific.
Military equipment: YJ-21
IsMissile: true
Name: YJ-21
Type: Hypersonic weapon,anti-ship ballistic missile
Origin: China
Length: 8.3 m
VehicleRange: convert
Filling: Conventional
Speed: convert
Manufacturer: China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology
Service: 2022–present
UsedBy: People’s Liberation Army Navy
LaunchPlatform: Type 055 destroyer
Categories: All stub articles, Anti-ship missiles of the People’s Republic of China, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles with short description, Ballistic missiles of the People’s Republic of China
Summary: The YJ-21 (Chinese: 鹰击-21; pinyin: Yīngjī-èryāo; lit. ‘eagle strike 21’) is a Chinese hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile.
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5. **Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs) like AJX002**Among the most intriguing new platforms showcased were two types of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), with the AJX002 being a notable example. This sea drone, estimated to be around 60ft long (or 18 to 20 meters), represents a significant leap in China’s capabilities for underwater surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially, combat. The sheer size and advanced design of these XLUUVs highlight Beijing’s growing emphasis on “intelligentised warfare” and the integration of autonomous systems across all domains.
The torpedo-shaped hulls and pump-jet propulsion systems of these underwater vehicles reveal a clear design philosophy centered on stealth. Their quiet operation would make them incredibly difficult to detect, allowing them to conduct covert missions deep within contested waters. The AJX002, featuring four lifting lugs along its hull, indicates it is crane-assisted for deployment and recovery, suggesting robust logistical support for its operations. This blend of stealth and operational readiness signals a mature development program.
China already operates the world’s largest XLUUV program, with at least five distinct types reportedly already in the water. This extensive development showcases a commitment to rapidly advancing uncrewed underwater technology, potentially outpacing Western counterparts. These drones are not merely for observation; their advanced nature suggests they could perform a variety of tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and even acting as launch platforms for other weapons systems.
The display of these sophisticated XLUUVs underscores China’s comfort with integrating artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities into its military systems, a direction many countries are still cautiously approaching. By deploying such advanced unmanned systems, China aims to augment and potentially replace traditional structures, drawing lessons from recent conflicts where drones have demonstrated their ability to wear down enemy defenses. These underwater leviathans are a critical component of China’s strategy to gain an edge in future naval engagements, making rapid, AI-driven decisions to defeat adversaries and secure the upper hand in the sub-surface domain.””_words_section1″: “1936
Following a comprehensive review of China’s formidable strategic missile arsenal and cutting-edge underwater capabilities, the focus shifts to another crucial dimension of its military modernization: the next generation of warfare technologies. The recent military parade in Beijing offered a revealing glimpse into systems designed to dominate not only traditional battlefields but also the emerging domains of space and cyber. These innovations underscore China’s concerted effort to achieve decisive advantages through technological superiority and the integration of autonomous, ‘intelligentized’ platforms.
This second section will delve into four more key revelations from the parade, exploring China’s advancements in space defense, directed energy weapons, advanced rocket artillery, and its burgeoning robotic systems. Each of these represents a strategic pivot towards capabilities that aim to disrupt established military paradigms and redefine the landscape of future conflict. The deployment of such sophisticated systems sends an unambiguous message regarding Beijing’s intent to solidify its position as a global military power, challenging existing rivals with indigenously developed, high-tech solutions.
Military equipment: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)
* The two-seat variant has one base vehicle platform: the Utility. The two-seat variant will have a greater payload capacity of 5,100 lbs. (versus 3,500 lbs. for the four-seat variant).
* The four-seat variant has two base vehicle platforms: the Close Combat Weapons Carrier and the General Purpose.
Categories: Air Force Equipment, Air Force Vehicles, Army Equipment, Army Vehicles, Marine Corps Equipment
Get more information about: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)
6. **HQ-29 Space Defence System**Among the most intriguing new systems unveiled was the HQ-29 space defense system, displayed prominently as a testament to China’s burgeoning aerial power. While specific details of its capabilities remain largely undisclosed, its presence signifies a clear intent to project military strength into the critical domain of space. This system is designed with the explicit capability of neutralizing foreign satellites, marking a significant step in anti-satellite (ASAT) warfare development.
The large physical size of the HQ-29 implies an extreme range, drawing comparisons to sophisticated Western systems such as the U.S. Navy’s SM-3 Block IIA missile. The SM-3, known for its land and ship-launch capabilities, offers a precedent for the HQ-29’s potential operational flexibility and expansive reach in intercepting targets in low Earth orbit. This suggests a strategic versatility that could allow China to deploy the system from various platforms, enhancing its responsiveness and coverage.
The introduction of the HQ-29 underscores a critical shift in modern military strategy, where control of space assets is increasingly vital for intelligence, communication, and navigation. By showcasing a dedicated space defense system, China is signaling its capacity and willingness to challenge the space-based advantages currently held by other major powers. This development has profound implications for global security, raising concerns about the potential for future conflicts to extend beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Military equipment: HQ-9
IsMissile: true
Name: HQ-9
Caption: An HQ-9 portable launcher during China’s 60th anniversary parade in 2009, Beijing
Origin: China
Type: Surface-to-air missile,Anti-satellite weapon,Anti-ballistic missile
UsedBy: #Operators
Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation
Service: 2001 – present
Weight: cvt
Length: cvt
Speed: Mach number
VehicleRange: 120 km (HQ-9)
Ceiling: 50 km (HQ-9B)
FillingWeight: 180 kg
Guidance: Semi-active radar homing
Propellant: Solid fuel
LaunchPlatform: HQ-9 ground-launched,
HHQ-9 surface-launched
Categories: All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All articles lacking reliable references, All articles needing additional references, All articles that may contain original research, Anti-ballistic missiles of the People’s Republic of China
Summary: The HQ-9 (simplified Chinese: 红旗-9; traditional Chinese: 紅旗-9; pinyin: Hóng Qí-9; lit. ‘Red Banner-9’; NATO reporting name: CH-SA-9.) is a long-range semi-active radar homing (SARH) surface-to-air missile (SAM) developed by the People’s Republic of China. The naval variant is the HHQ-9 (simplified Chinese: 海红旗-9; traditional Chinese: 海紅旗-9; pinyin: Hǎi Hóng Qí-9; lit. ‘Sea Red Banner-9’). The HQ-9 and its export variants are developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).
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7. **Directed Energy Laser Weapons**The parade offered a notable display of China’s advancements in directed energy weapon technology, featuring two distinct versions of laser weapons. One variant was clearly designed for naval air defense, intended for mounting on warships, while a smaller, truck-mounted version was presented for the protection of ground troops. These systems represent a significant investment in a class of weaponry that utilizes electromagnetic energy rather than kinetic projectiles.
These directed energy weapons function by disabling targets through various means, including intense heat, the disruption of internal electrical systems, or the blinding of sensors such as optics and radar. This non-kinetic approach offers distinct advantages, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness; a single shot from a laser weapon is considerably less expensive than firing a missile or a radar-directed projectile. Such economic efficiency makes them highly attractive for defense against low-end threats, such as drone attacks, where conventional munitions can be prohibitively costly.
Beyond their economic benefits, directed energy weapons simplify logistics significantly, as they do not require heavy metal projectiles to be transported with the weapon system, only its energy source. This facilitates easier deployment and sustained operation in the field. China’s development and potential deployment of these systems in significant numbers could pose substantial problems for any adversary attempting to blunt Chinese military movements, particularly by neutralizing drone swarms or reconnaissance assets.
The prominence given to these laser weapons in the parade reflects Beijing’s strategic comfort with integrating advanced, economically viable defensive capabilities into its broader military framework. This aligns with a comprehensive approach to “intelligent warfare,” where multi-layered defenses combine with offensive systems to create a robust and resilient force posture, capable of adapting to a wide spectrum of threats in contemporary and future battle scenarios.
Military equipment: Directed-energy weapon
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Summary: A directed-energy weapon (DEW) is a ranged weapon that damages its target with highly focused energy without a solid projectile, including lasers, microwaves, particle beams, and sound beams. Potential applications of this technology include weapons that target personnel, missiles, vehicles, and optical devices.
In the United States, the Pentagon, DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, United States Army Armament Research Development and Engineering Center, and the Naval Research Laboratory are researching directed-energy weapons to counter ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles. These systems of missile defense are expected to come online no sooner than the mid to late 2020s.
China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, India, Israel are also developing military-grade directed-energy weapons, while Iran and Turkey claim to have them in active service. The first use of directed-energy weapons in combat between military forces was claimed to have occurred in Libya in August 2019 by Turkey, which claimed to use the ALKA directed-energy weapon. After decades of research and development, most directed-energy weapons are still at the experimental stage and it remains to be seen if or when they will be deployed as practical, high-performance military weapons.
Get more information about: Directed-energy weapon
Read more about: Beyond the Spectacle: What China’s Military Parade Reveals for Asia and a Reordering World
8. **PHL-16 Multiple Rocket Launcher System**China also unveiled the PHL-16, its modern answer to high-mobility artillery rocket systems like the American HIMARS, showcasing a sophisticated capability for ground forces. Developed by the Chinese ground-based weapons manufacturer Norinco, this truck-mounted, self-propelled multiple rocket launcher is approximately 12 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 3 meters high. It features eight barrels for ammunition and is operated by a crew of three, designed for delivering substantial firepower rapidly across wide areas.
The PHL-16 is deemed crucial for ground operations due to its capacity to suppress enemy positions effectively, destroy concentrations of vehicles or infantry, and breach fortified areas. What distinctly sets this system apart is its modular launch mechanism, engineered to adapt seamlessly to diverse mission requirements. Its automated system allows crews to promptly switch between various rocket and missile configurations, ensuring rapid adjustments to fluid battlefield conditions and enhancing operational flexibility.
The system is capable of launching a wide array of ammunition, including 300mm rockets with a range of up to 130 km and 370mm rockets capable of striking targets up to 300 km away. Furthermore, it can deploy more advanced, larger caliber rockets such as the 750mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missile, which boasts an impressive range of up to 500 km, according to PLA reports. This extensive versatility in ammunition types underscores the PHL-16’s potential as a highly adaptable and potent weapon in modern land warfare.
The debut of the PHL-16 signifies China’s commitment to developing indigenous, advanced ground-based weapon systems that rival or exceed those of established military powers. Its design ethos emphasizes rapid response, adaptable firepower, and the ability to counter a broad spectrum of threats, thereby bolstering the PLA’s ground combat capabilities and contributing to a comprehensive strategy for challenging adversaries in contested operational environments.
Military equipment: PHL-16
Name: PHL-16
Caption: PHL-16 MLRS
Origin: China
Type: Multiple rocket launcher
IsArtillery: true
IsVehicle: true
Service: 2019–present
UsedBy: People’s Liberation Army Ground Force
Weight: 45t
Length: 12m
Width: 3m
Height: 3m
Crew: 3
Caliber: 370mm
Barrels: 8
MaxRange: depends on armament, 280 km (174 mi) (using BRE8 rocket), or 360 km (using TL-7B anti-ship missile)
Range: BRE3 rocket
PrimaryArmament: 2 modular launch cells, each can either carry:,1 × 750mm TBM or,4 × 370mm rocket or,5 × 300mm rocket
Engine: eight-wheel drive
Categories: All articles lacking reliable references, All articles with dead external links, Articles lacking reliable references from March 2022, Articles with dead external links from December 2024, Articles with short description
Summary: The PHL-16, also known as PCL-191, is a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system developed by the People’s Republic of China.
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9. **Emerging Robotic Systems for ‘Intelligentized Warfare’**A particularly striking element of the parade was the display of a legion of robotic systems, prominently featuring what were described as “robot dogs” and “robot wolves.” These machines, paraded atop armored vehicles, vividly highlighted Beijing’s accelerating emphasis on “intelligentised warfare” – a doctrine centered on the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities across military domains. The unveiling of these systems signals a profound shift in how China envisages future combat operations.
These robotic systems are envisioned for a diverse array of tasks, extending from frontline reconnaissance and delivering essential supplies to potentially launching precision strikes against targets. The “robot wolves,” described as an upgrade from earlier robot dogs, are specifically designed to replace human soldiers in life-threatening conditions, with the explicit goal of reducing combat casualties. This strategic application of robotics underscores a commitment to force protection while enhancing operational effectiveness in hazardous environments.
Beyond ground-based robots, the parade also showcased advanced aerial drones, including the GJ-11 stealth attack drone, famously dubbed the “loyal wingman.” This unmanned combat aerial vehicle is designed for precision strikes and aerial reconnaissance, acting as both a sensor and an ammunition depot. Its role as an “intelligent assistant for pilots” underscores China’s ambition to create integrated human-machine teaming capabilities, where autonomous systems augment and enhance the lethality and survivability of crewed aircraft.
The comprehensive display of these drone systems, spanning underwater, ground, and aerial platforms, reveals a clear direction in China’s military strategy: not merely to augment but to fundamentally replace traditional structures with advanced autonomous capabilities. Drawing lessons from recent conflicts, where drones have demonstrated their ability to wear down enemy defenses, China aims to leverage AI for rapid, nanosecond-level decision-making to gain a decisive upper hand in fast-moving battles. This comfort with integrating AI into the “kill chain” and its advanced indigenous development capabilities position China at the forefront of what it terms intelligentized warfare, aiming to secure an edge in future engagements.
Military equipment: Robot
Categories: 1920s neologisms, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles lacking reliable references, All articles needing additional references
Summary: A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be constructed to evoke human form, but most robots are task-performing machines, designed with an emphasis on stark functionality, rather than expressive aesthetics.
Robots can be autonomous or semi-autonomous and range from humanoids such as Honda’s Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility (ASIMO) and TOSY’s TOSY Ping Pong Playing Robot (TOPIO) to industrial robots, medical operating robots, patient assist robots, dog therapy robots, collectively programmed swarm robots, UAV drones such as General Atomics MQ-1 Predator, and even microscopic nanorobots. By mimicking a lifelike appearance or automating movements, a robot may convey a sense of intelligence or thought of its own. Autonomous things are expected to proliferate in the future, with home robotics and the autonomous car as some of the main drivers.
The branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing is robotics. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, or cognition. Many of today’s robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics. These robots have also created a newer branch of robotics: soft robotics.
From the time of ancient civilization, there have been many accounts of user-configurable automated devices and even automata, resembling humans and other animals, such as animatronics, designed primarily as entertainment. As mechanical techniques developed through the Industrial age, there appeared more practical applications such as automated machines, remote control and wireless remote-control.
The term comes from a Slavic root, robot-, with meanings associated with labor. The word “robot” was first used to denote a fictional humanoid in a 1920 Czech-language play R.U.R. (Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti – Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek, though it was Karel’s brother Josef Čapek who was the word’s true inventor. Electronics evolved into the driving force of development with the advent of the first electronic autonomous robots created by William Grey Walter in Bristol, England, in 1948, as well as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools in the late 1940s by John T. Parsons and Frank L. Stulen.
The first commercial, digital and programmable robot was built by George Devol in 1954 and was named the Unimate. It was sold to General Motors in 1961, where it was used to lift pieces of hot metal from die casting machines at the Inland Fisher Guide Plant in the West Trenton section of Ewing Township, New Jersey.
Robots have replaced humans in performing repetitive and dangerous tasks which humans prefer not to do, or are unable to do because of size limitations, or which take place in extreme environments such as outer space or the bottom of the sea. There are concerns about the increasing use of robots and their role in society. Robots are blamed for rising technological unemployment as they replace workers in increasing number of functions. The use of robots in military combat raises ethical concerns. The possibilities of robot autonomy and potential repercussions have been addressed in fiction and may be a realistic concern in the future.
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The Beijing military parade was not merely a ceremonial event; it was a potent declaration of China’s strategic transformation. From the profound reach of its new intercontinental ballistic missiles to the stealth of its underwater drones and the emergent intelligence of its robotic systems, the display cemented a vision of high-tech dominance. While questions regarding combat experience and operational integration persist among global analysts, the sheer scale of indigenous innovation and industrial capacity exhibited leaves little doubt about China’s ambition to reshape the global military landscape. The message is clear: Beijing is investing heavily in a future where technological supremacy, rather than sheer numbers, defines military power and allows it to back its vision for a new world order.”
