The recent military parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat and the end of the Second World War, offered an unprecedented glimpse into the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) rapid modernization efforts. Widely regarded as the largest military parade in China’s history, the event was not merely a ceremonial display but a potent demonstration of Beijing’s ambition to reshape the global order, with President Xi Jinping at its helm alongside figures like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
The strategic implications of this grand showcase extend far beyond the immediate visual spectacle. With an allocated defence budget of approximately £186 billion for 2025, China unveiled a new generation of military hardware, much of it for the first time. This includes a revamped nuclear triad, advanced long-range missiles, sophisticated anti-drone systems, strategic bombers, and stealth drones, all signalling a formidable push towards a “world-class” military capable of projecting power and deterring potential adversaries across a global canvas.
The weapons and systems highlighted during the parade underscore a concerted effort by China to develop capabilities that could fundamentally alter the dynamics of modern conflict. From systems designed to challenge naval dominance in the Pacific to those capable of global strike, Beijing’s investments reflect a strategic vision that combines conventional might with asymmetric advantages. This article will meticulously analyze some of the most impactful of these new capabilities, exploring their technical specifications, potential operational roles, and the broader geopolitical consequences they portend for international security.
1. **Strategic Nuclear-Capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)**Among the most closely scrutinized elements of China’s military display were its nuclear forces, showcasing a significant expansion in its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities. The parade marked the first public unveiling of three new types of nuclear-capable ICBMs: the Dong Feng-61, Dong Feng-31BJ, and the Dong Feng 5C. These systems, particularly the DF-31BJ, were observed to be a version of China’s road-mobile DF-31, potentially adapted for silo launch, a development that aligns with U.S. military assessments regarding China’s construction of new missile silo fields in its northern deserts.
State media, specifically Global Times, highlighted the formidable capabilities of the Dong Feng 5C, estimating its range at more than 20,000km, which effectively places the “entire globe under its strike range.” This variant is also believed to feature significant improvements in defence penetration and precision, making it a more potent and credible deterrent. Experts suggest that the new DF-5C variant is capable of carrying up to 12 warheads on a single missile, a multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) capability that substantially complicates missile defence strategies and increases the destructive potential of China’s strategic force.
The Chinese Army also revealed its first air-launched nuclear missile, the JL-1, displayed on a military truck. This, alongside the JL-3, DF-61, and DF-31, constitutes what state media CCTV described as the “first concentrated display” of China’s “land, sea and air triad strategic nuclear forces.” This diversification of launch platforms — land-based silos and mobile launchers, submarine-launched, and air-launched — significantly enhances the survivability and flexibility of China’s nuclear deterrent, ensuring a credible second-strike capability.
The appearance of these missiles at the parade is seen as a tacit acknowledgment by China of its ongoing nuclear expansion, particularly concerning the new silos. While China does not disclose its exact number of nuclear weapons, the Federation of American Scientists estimates around 600 warheads, with ongoing upgrades to its delivery systems. The deployment of the DF-31BJ in some of the estimated 320 silos, with potentially 10 silos already loaded in each field, underscores a strategic shift towards a more robust and responsive nuclear posture, directly impacting global strategic stability.
This nuclear modernization effort, with its enhanced range, precision, and multiple warhead capabilities, signals China’s intent to deter any major power, including the United States, by ensuring that any potential adversary would face devastating consequences. The emphasis on a comprehensive nuclear triad demonstrates a long-term strategic commitment to maintaining a powerful and versatile deterrent force, thereby influencing geopolitical calculations for decades to come.
Military equipment: Intercontinental ballistic missile
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Summary: An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a ballistic missile with a range greater than 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi), primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery (delivering one or more thermonuclear warheads). Conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness but have never been deployed on ICBMs. Most modern designs support multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing a single missile to carry several warheads, each of which can strike a different target. The United States, Russia, China, France, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, and North Korea are the only countries known to have operational ICBMs. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed state that does not possess ICBMs.
Early ICBMs had limited precision, which made them suitable for use only against the largest targets, such as cities. They were seen as a “safe” basing option, one that would keep the deterrent force close to home where it would be difficult to attack. Attacks against military targets (especially hardened ones) demanded the use of a more precise, crewed bomber. Second- and third-generation designs (such as the LGM-118 Peacekeeper) dramatically improved accuracy to the point where even the smallest point targets can be successfully attacked.
ICBMs are differentiated by having greater range and speed than other ballistic missiles: intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and tactical ballistic missiles.
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2. **Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missiles (YJ-series & YJ-21)**China’s parade showcased an impressive array of hypersonic anti-ship missiles, a class of weaponry that has garnered significant global attention due to its unprecedented speed and maneuverability, making it exceedingly difficult for traditional defence systems to counter. The Chinese military displayed the new YJ-15 missile alongside its pre-existing YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 hypersonic missiles, collectively known as “Ying Ji” or “eagle attack” missiles.
These YJ missiles are designed with the specific purpose of inflicting critical damage on large vessels and can be launched from either ships or aircraft. The rapid advancement in this technology is particularly concerning for the U.S. Navy, whose 7th Fleet operates extensively in the western Pacific from its headquarters in Japan. The sheer speed of these missiles, which travel at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), combined with their ability to maneuver, presents a formidable challenge to existing naval air defence systems.
Among the most notable of these systems is the YJ-21, famously dubbed the “carrier killer.” This anti-ship missile is specifically intended for use against high-value naval targets, such as aircraft carriers. Bloomberg reports indicate that the YJ-21 is capable of supersonic speeds and likely possesses a range exceeding 600km, placing critical naval assets within its threat envelope. The ability to deploy such a weapon could severely restrict the operational freedom of naval forces in contested waters, such as the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea.
Further enhancing China’s hypersonic capabilities is the YJ-19, a cruise missile that appears to utilize a “scramjet” engine. This innovative propulsion system burns fuel in an airflow moving at supersonic speed, contributing to the missile’s exceptional velocity. According to Eric Heginbotham, a principal research scientist at MIT’s security studies program, the YJ-19’s features suggest a highly unpredictable flight path and the capacity to fly its terminal phase at a lower altitude than ballistic missiles, albeit at a slower speed. This combination of attributes makes interception profoundly challenging.
The deployment of multiple advanced hypersonic anti-ship missiles, bearing down at different speeds and angles, is a strategic move to complicate enemy naval defences. Timothy R. Heath, a senior researcher at RAND, emphasizes that Beijing’s decision to showcase these weapons sends a “not-so-subtle message to Taiwan and Washington that China has the ability to threaten American warships.” While the full operational status and deployment numbers of these new missiles remain unclear, their public display undeniably signals China’s intent to deter naval incursions and project power across the Indo-Pacific region.
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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3. **Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs)**China’s military parade provided a rare public glimpse into its burgeoning capabilities in unmanned underwater warfare, debuting two types of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs). These sleek submersible drones underscore China’s ambition to challenge established naval powers, particularly the United States, beneath the waves. The exhibition highlights a significant investment in autonomous undersea systems, positioning China as a leading developer in this critical domain.
One of the unveiled XLUUVs, the AJX002, is estimated to be around 60 feet long, according to various reports. Its torpedo-shaped hull and pump-jet propulsion system are indicative of a design prioritizing stealth, essential for undetected operations in sensitive maritime environments. The presence of four lifting lugs along its hull suggests that the AJX002 is crane-assisted, facilitating its deployment and recovery. Another wider variant, featuring small masts, was also showcased, potentially designed for enhanced communications or sensor payloads.
Naval analysts report that China operates the world’s largest XLUUV programme, with at least five distinct types already undergoing trials. Jennifer Parker, a former anti-submarine warfare officer in the Australian Navy and an expert at the National Security College of Australian National University, notes that the sheer number and variety of undersea vehicles being developed by China indicate a potentially more advanced state of this endeavor compared to other countries. This broad range of types suggests diversified roles, from reconnaissance and intelligence gathering to potential offensive capabilities.
Ms. Parker further speculated on the weaponized potential of some Chinese XLUUV models, particularly the AJX002, stating, “Given the lack of masts and its size, it looks like it’s weaponized. Could be some sort of self-propelled mine or torpedo-like capability.” This observation suggests that these drones could be configured to deploy torpedoes or mines, enabling them to operate clandestinely in contested waters like the Taiwan Strait, posing a substantial threat to enemy shipping and naval infrastructure without exposing manned submarines.
The development and potential deployment of such a robust fleet of XLUUVs could significantly challenge the traditional dominance of manned submarines, offering a cost-effective and stealthy alternative for various undersea missions. China’s focus on this technology highlights a forward-looking strategy that leverages autonomy and advanced engineering to gain a potential edge in future naval conflicts, compelling other naval powers to accelerate their own development in this nascent but rapidly evolving field.
Military equipment: List of active Royal Navy ships
Categories: Articles with short description, Lists of Royal Navy ships, Lists of currently active military vehicles, Short description is different from Wikidata, Use British English from December 2016
Summary: The Royal Navy is the principal naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Its assets include both commissioned warships and non-commissioned vessels. As of mid-2025, there are 63 commissioned and active ships in the Royal Navy.
Of the commissioned vessels, sixteen are major surface combatants (two aircraft carriers, six guided missile destroyers and eight frigates) and nine are nuclear-powered submarines (four ballistic missile submarines and five fleet submarines). In addition the Navy possesses eight mine countermeasures vessels, twenty-six patrol vessels, two survey vessels, one icebreaker and one historic warship, Victory. The total displacement of the Royal Navy’s commissioned and active ships is approximately 399,000 tonnes.
The Royal Navy also includes a number of smaller non-commissioned assets. The naval training vessels Brecon and Hindostan can be found based at the Royal Navy stone frigates HMS Raleigh and the Britannia Royal Naval College, respectively. Non-commissioned Sea-class workboats, procured under Project Vahana, are operated by the Royal Navy in various support, survey and training roles, replacing previous P1000 Class Picket Boat vessels. This class of vessel also incorporates an autonomous minehunting variant (known as the Arcims-class), while another autonomous vessel, Madfox, is employed in varied roles including as a testbed for autonomous combat operations. Madfox and other experimental vessels, including XV Patrick Blackett and APAC-24 (a crewless Pacific 24 rigid-hulled inflatable boat), are operated by the Fleet Experimentation Squadron within the Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office. As of 2025, XV Excalibur, an Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV), was also operated by the Squadron while other autonomous surface vessels, for minehunting, were in service and in the process of procurement from Thales Group.
Besides the Royal Navy, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and the Royal Marines operate their own flotillas of vessels which complement the assets of the Royal Navy. These vessels are not included in this list or the above figures. Nevertheless, combined, the Royal Navy and RFA have 73 vessels with a total displacement of about 671,000 tonnes, with the principal landing craft of the Royal Marines having an additional combined displacement of about 2,200 tonnes.
As a supporting contingent of His Majesty’s Naval Service, the civilian Marine Services operate nearly 100 auxiliary ships (including coastal logistics, tugs and research vessels) in support of Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary operations.
In the United Kingdom, the Royal Navy operates three main bases where commissioned ships are based: HMNB Portsmouth, HMNB Devonport and HMNB Clyde. A number of commissioned vessels, belonging to the University Royal Naval Units (URNU), are stationed at various other locations around the United Kingdom.
The Royal Navy’s principal overseas base is HMS Jufair in Bahrain. A general-purpose frigate and vessels belonging to the navy’s 9th Mine Counter-Measures Squadron are forward-deployed there. Two fast patrol boats, together with a forward-deployed River-class offshore patrol vessel, normally form part of the Gibraltar Squadron and are permanently based there. Four other River-class vessels are also forward-deployed: one in the Falkland Islands, one in the Caribbean and two in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the United Kingdom maintains a Joint Logistics Support Base in Duqm, Oman.
All ships and submarines currently in commission with the Royal Navy were built in the United Kingdom, with the exceptions of icebreaker Protector which was built in Norway and survey vessel Magpie which was substantially built in Ireland. All commissioned vessels of the Royal Navy bear the ship prefix “HMS”, for His Majesty’s Ship or His Majesty’s Submarine.
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4. **Directed Energy Laser Weapons (LY-1 and Others)**China’s parade provided a clear indication of its significant advancements in directed energy laser weapons, unveiling two versions of air-defence laser systems. One was distinctly designed for naval air defence, intended for integration aboard warships, while the other, mounted on an eight-wheeled truck, was purposed for the protection of ground troops. These “directed energy weapons” leverage electromagnetic bursts to disable enemy drones or sensors through heat or electrical disruption, representing a new frontier in modern warfare.
A key advantage of laser weapons, as highlighted by Beijing, is their cost-effectiveness. Unlike conventional missiles, which are costly to produce and expendable, each laser shot requires only onboard-generated energy, amounting to mere cents per interception. This economic efficiency makes them particularly attractive for countering persistent, low-end threats such as drone attacks and other unmanned aerial systems, offering a scalable solution against swarming tactics that could overwhelm traditional missile defence systems.
The truck-mounted version notably addresses past limitations related to power supply, suggesting enhanced battlefield readiness and operational flexibility for ground forces. For the U.S., which heavily relies on carrier groups in the Pacific, these lasers pose a stealthy, potent, and cost-effective threat. Their ability to potentially neutralize air defences or degrade enemy sensors could significantly alter the tactical landscape, introducing a new layer of defence or offence that relies on non-kinetic effects.
The LY-1 system, in particular, is intended to neutralize the optical sensors of enemy equipment, thereby reducing their operational effectiveness. Its capacity to damage guidance systems underscores its potential in countering modern threats, especially armed drones and precision missiles. Chinese officials present the LY-1 as a tool capable of significantly altering naval warfare rules by introducing a new, energy-based layer of defence, enhancing the survivability and offensive capabilities of naval platforms.
Integrating systems like the LY-1 aboard ships offers the possibility of greatly increasing its power output, thanks to the available space for larger power units. This configuration would enhance the system’s firing capacity, enabling it to engage a wider range of threats. The unveiling of such systems during a military parade carries substantial political and strategic weight, allowing China to emphasize its progress in a field where major global powers are actively competing. Directed-energy weapons are still under development globally, but China’s public display of these systems signals its ambitions in a sector seen as crucial for the future evolution of naval and land conflict.
Military equipment: Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction
CountryName: Pakistan
ProgramStart: 20 January 1972
FirstTest: Chagai-I
LastTest: Chagai-II
LargestYield: Kilotons
TotalTests: 6 detonations
PeakStockpile: 170 warheads (2025 estimate)
CurrentStockpile: 170 warheads (2025 estimate)
MaximumRange: Shaheen-III
NptParty: No
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in Pakistani English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles lacking reliable references, All articles needing rewrite, All articles with dead external links
Summary: Pakistan is one of nine states that possess nuclear weapons. Pakistan is not party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. As of 2025, multiple unofficial sources indicate a stockpile of 170 warheads (fission-type). Pakistan maintains a doctrine of minimum credible deterrence instead of a no first-use policy, promising to use “any weapon in its arsenal” to protect its interests in case of an aggressive attack.
Pakistan is not widely suspected of either producing biological weapons or having an offensive biological programme. Pakistan has ratified the Geneva Protocol, the Chemical Weapons Convention, as well as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
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5. **Space Defence Systems (HQ-29)**In a prominent display of aerial power and advanced defence capabilities, China for the first time showcased the HQ-29 space defence system at its military parade. This system is overtly described as being capable of taking down foreign satellites, marking a significant and concerning advancement in China’s anti-satellite (ASAT) warfare capabilities. The development and public unveiling of such a system underscore Beijing’s strategic focus on controlling the space domain, a critical aspect of modern military operations.
While specific details regarding the exact capabilities of the HQ-29 remain limited, its substantial size implies an extreme range, potentially comparable to the US Navy’s SM-3 Block IIA missile. The SM-3 Block IIA is known for its ability to be launched from both land and ship platforms, indicating a versatile and far-reaching anti-satellite capability for the HQ-29 as well. Such a system could pose a direct threat to the satellite constellations of other nations, which are increasingly vital for military communications, navigation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The ability to neutralize foreign satellites provides a critical asymmetric advantage in a potential conflict. Disrupting or destroying an adversary’s space-based assets could blind their forces, cripple their command and control networks, and severely degrade their precision strike capabilities. This makes the HQ-29 a strategic asset that could redefine the early phases of any large-scale military engagement, potentially creating widespread disruption across an adversary’s operational theatre.
China’s consistent focus on space-based capabilities and counter-space technologies has been a growing concern for global security analysts. The HQ-29’s debut serves as a stark reminder of the escalating militarization of space and the potential for a future conflict to extend beyond terrestrial and atmospheric boundaries. The development of such systems by China contributes to a broader arms race in space, prompting other nations to accelerate their own defensive and offensive counter-space programs.
The strategic implications are profound: a functional and deployed HQ-29 system would not only enhance China’s deterrence posture but also provide it with the capacity to project power and influence across critical global networks. Its unveiling sends a clear message about China’s commitment to achieving dominance in all domains of warfare, including the ultimate high ground of space, thereby complicating global strategic calculations and heightening the urgency for international dialogue on space security.”
, “_words_section1”: “1997
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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6. **Unmanned Aerial Systems and Loyal Wingmen Drones**The recent parade offered a compelling look into China’s burgeoning commitment to unmanned aerial systems, with trucks carrying large drones that bore a striking resemblance to small fighter jets. This visual spectacle was not merely a display of advanced hardware; it was a clear signal of China’s strategic intent to integrate manned and unmanned aircraft in future conflicts. These sophisticated drones represent a critical component of Beijing’s broader vision for modern air warfare, moving beyond traditional air combat paradigms.
A central tenet of this evolving strategy is the concept of “loyal wingmen” drones. These autonomous systems are envisioned to fly alongside piloted jets, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness. Their potential roles are diverse and impactful, encompassing advanced surveillance, the execution of complex attack maneuvers, and crucially, acting as a defensive shield to intercept incoming missiles, thereby protecting their manned counterparts and significantly improving aircraft survivability.
China’s rapid progress in this specialized field is noteworthy, with experts like Andreas Rupprecht, a leading authority on Chinese military aviation, observing that the nation is “in the fast lane—sometimes on par with, or even ahead of, leading powers” in many technological aspects. This assertion underscores the depth of China’s investment and innovation in unmanned aviation, positioning it as a formidable force in the development and deployment of these game-changing systems for global air combat scenarios.
The substantial presence of large drones and unmanned planes at the parade unequivocally demonstrated China’s profound commitment to this emergent domain. Beijing’s strategic calculus heavily “bets on unmanned systems to gain a potential edge in battle,” indicating a fundamental shift towards leveraging autonomy to enhance operational capabilities and mitigate risks to human pilots. This integration promises to redefine the dynamics of future air combat, making China a frontrunner in a critical area of military innovation.
Military equipment: Manned-unmanned teaming
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Summary: Manned-unmanned teaming refers to the collaborative operation of manned and unmanned systems, typically in military or aerospace contexts, to enhance mission effectiveness. It enables human operators to control, coordinate, or supervise autonomous or semi-autonomous platforms, such as drones or robotic systems, to improve situational awareness, reduce risk, and optimize performance in complex environments.
A loyal wingman is a proposed type of unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and is capable of collaborating with the next generation of crewed combat aircraft, including sixth-generation fighters and bombers such as the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. Also unlike the conventional UCAV, the loyal wingman is expected to be capable of surviving on the battlefield but to be significantly lower-cost than a crewed aircraft with similar capabilities. In the US, the concept is known as the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA). CCAs are intended to operate in collaborative teams with the next generation of manned combat aircraft, including sixth-generation fighters and bombers such as the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. Unlike the conventional UCAVs, the CCA incorporates artificial intelligence (AI), denoted an “autonomy package”, increasing its survivability on the battlefield. It is still expected to cost much less than a manned aircraft with similar capabilities. The US Air Force plans to spend more than $8.9 billion on its CCA programs from fiscal years 2025 to 2029, with an additional $661 million planned for fiscal year 2024. The success of the CCA program may lessen the need for additional manned squadrons.
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Read more about: Beyond the Spectacle: What China’s Military Parade Reveals for Asia and a Reordering World
7. **Advanced Airborne Combat Vehicles**The parade also showcased a new generation of armored ground vehicles explicitly designed for rapid deployment, revealing China’s evolving capabilities in expeditionary warfare. These vehicles possessed a distinctive feature: the capacity to be dropped from transport planes, allowing for swift insertion into diverse operational environments. Their design also incorporated what appeared to be periscope-like viewers, granting troops the ability to observe their surroundings from within the vehicle, thereby enhancing situational awareness while maintaining protection.
The strategic rationale behind these advanced airborne combat vehicles is clear: to enable rapid power projection and response to contingencies, whether for operations in challenging terrains like Taiwan or for interventions far beyond China’s borders. This emphasis on deployability underscores a military doctrine focused on agility and the ability to project force effectively across vast distances, a key requirement for a world-class military.
Joshua Arostegui, the research director of the China Landpower Studies Center at the U.S. Army War College, underscored the significance of these developments. He noted that “adding such advanced armor to the airborne corps will give these light infantry forces much more firepower and protection when they are dropped behind enemy lines or rapidly responding to dangerous situations abroad.” This assessment highlights the dual advantage of increased offensive capability and enhanced troop safety.
These vehicles are part of a broader investment in “ground assault groups,” signaling China’s determination to enhance its conventional forces with cutting-edge mobility and protection. This capability is not merely tactical; it reflects a strategic ambition to be able to decisively intervene in conflicts, secure objectives rapidly, and maintain a robust presence in contested regions, thereby shaping geopolitical outcomes.
Military equipment: 82nd Airborne Division
UnitName: 82nd Airborne Division
Caption: Insignia of the 82nd Airborne Division
Dates: 1917–1919,1921–present
Country: flagu
Branch: army
Type: Brigade combat team#Infantry brigade combat team
Role: Airborne assault
Size: Division (military)#United States
CommandStructure: Flagicon image,XVIII Airborne Corps
Garrison: Fort Bragg,North Carolina
Nickname: “America’s Guard of Honor”,”All American Division”,”82nd Division”,”Eighty Deuce”,”The 82nd”
Motto: “All The Way!”,
“Death from Above”
Colors: legend2
ColorsLabel: Color of berets
March: “The All-American Soldier”
Battles: Meuse-Argonne Offensive
Website: [object Object]
Commander1: Major general (United States),Brandon Tegtmeier
Commander1Label: Commander
Commander2: Brigadier General (United States)
Commander2Label: Deputy Commanding General – Operations
Commander3: Colonel (United States)
Commander3Label: Deputy Commanding Officer – Support
Commander4: Brigadier (United Kingdom)
Commander4Label: Deputy Commanding General – Plans
Commander5: Command Sergeant Major (United States)
Commander5Label: Command Sergeant Major
NotableCommanders: List of commanders of 82nd Airborne Division (United States)
IdentificationSymbol: File:Patch of the 82nd Airborne Division (OCP).svg
IdentificationSymbolLabel: Shoulder sleeve insignia
IdentificationSymbol2: File:82ndAbnCSIB(hi-res).png
IdentificationSymbol2Label: Combat service identification badge
IdentificationSymbol3: File:Flag of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.svg
IdentificationSymbol3Label: Flag
IdentificationSymbol4: File:Seal of the 82nd Airborne Division (2023).jpg
IdentificationSymbol4Label: Seal
Categories: Airborne divisions of the United States Army, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with unsourced statements, All pages needing factual verification, America’s Got Talent contestants
Summary: The 82nd Airborne Division is an airborne infantry division of the United States Army specializing in parachute assault operations into hostile areas with a US Department of Defense mandate to be “on-call to fight any time, anywhere” at “the knife’s edge of technology and readiness.” Primarily based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Division is part of the XVIII Airborne Corps. The 82nd Airborne Division is the US Army’s most strategically mobile division.
The division was organized on 25 August 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia, located north of Atlanta. The area is identified by a historical marker at the Peachtree DeKalb Airport. The Camp Gordon of World War I and the present day Fort Gordon (Richmond County) are different places and should not be confused. The 82nd Infantry Division later served with distinction on the Western Front in the final months of World War I. Since its initial members came from all 48 states, the division acquired the nickname All-American, which is the basis for its “AA” on the shoulder patch. The division later served in World War II where, in August 1942, it was reconstituted as the first airborne division of the US Army and fought in numerous campaigns during the war.
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8. **Integrated Anti-Drone Systems (Beyond Lasers)**While directed energy laser weapons featured prominently in earlier discussions, China’s parade revealed a more comprehensive and layered approach to countering unmanned aerial threats. Beyond the precision of lasers, the full range of anti-drone systems displayed also included “high-power microwave weapons” and a “missile gun,” showcasing a multi-faceted strategy designed to address the growing menace of drone proliferation.
High-power microwave weapons represent a non-kinetic countermeasure, capable of disabling the electronic systems of enemy drones through electromagnetic pulses, thereby rendering them inoperable without physical destruction. This offers a distinct advantage in scenarios where collateral damage must be minimized. Complementing this, the missile gun provides a kinetic interception capability, designed for rapid engagement and neutralization of aerial threats, offering a direct response to a wide spectrum of unmanned aerial vehicles.
This integration of diverse anti-drone technologies provides a significant strategic advantage. A layered defense, combining the cost-effectiveness and precision of lasers with the area denial capability of microwave weapons and the kinetic reliability of missile guns, offers robust protection against sophisticated drone swarms or persistent aerial threats. Such a comprehensive system makes it exceedingly difficult for adversaries to overwhelm China’s defenses with unmanned platforms.
These integrated systems are positioned as crucial for modern battlefield protection, offering a resilient response to the escalating use of unmanned aerial systems in various operational environments. By combining these advanced capabilities, China aims to ensure that an adversary’s drone assets, regardless of their sophistication or numbers, can be effectively countered, thereby maintaining strategic dominance in airspace defense and projecting a credible deterrent against aerial incursions.
Military equipment: Laser weapon
Url: https://www.popsci.com/here-come-laser-helicopters/
Title: Here come the helicopters with weaponized lasers
AccessDate: Thu Jan 16 2020 16:00:00 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
First1: Kelsey D.
Last1: Atherton
Date: Mon Jun 26 2017 17:00:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)
Work: kilowatt,Laser Weapon System
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2020, Articles containing potentially dated statements from January 2020
Summary: A laser weapon is a type of directed-energy weapon that uses lasers to inflict damage. Whether they will be deployed as practical, high-performance military weapons remains to be seen. One of the major issues with laser weapons is atmospheric thermal blooming, which is still largely unsolved. This issue is exacerbated when there is fog, smoke, dust, rain, snow, smog, foam, or purposely dispersed obscurant chemicals present. In essence, a laser generates a beam of light that requires clear air or a vacuum to operate.
Many types of laser have been identified as having the potential to be used as incapacitating non-lethal weapons. They can cause temporary or permanent vision loss when directed at the eyes. The extent, nature, and duration of visual impairment resulting from exposure to laser light depend on various factors, such as the laser’s power, wavelength(s), collimation of the beam, orientation of the beam, and duration of exposure. Even lasers with a power output of less than one watt can cause immediate and permanent vision loss under certain conditions, making them potentially non-lethal but incapacitating weapons. However, the use of such lasers is morally controversial due to the extreme handicap that laser-induced blindness represents. The Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons bans the use of weapons designed to cause permanent blindness. Weapons designed to cause temporary blindness, known as dazzlers, are used by military and sometimes law enforcement organizations. Incidents of pilots being exposed to lasers while flying have prompted aviation authorities to implement special procedures to deal with such hazards.
Laser weapons capable of directly damaging or destroying a target in combat are still in the experimental stage. The general idea of laser-beam weaponry is to hit a target with a train of brief pulses of light. The United States Navy has tested the very short-range (1 mile), 30-kW Laser Weapon System or LaWS to be used against targets like small UAVs, rocket-propelled grenades, and visible motorboat or helicopter engines. It has been described as “six welding lasers strapped together.” A 60 kW system, HELIOS, is being developed for destroyer-class ships as of 2020. India’s DRDO successfully tested a 30 kW Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), designated Mk-II (A) DEW, in April 2025 which can annihilate drones at a range of 5 km.
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9. **Next-Generation Stealth Aircraft and Air Power Projection**The aerial component of China’s military parade delivered a powerful message about its advancements in air power, featuring “over 100 aircraft, including stealth fighters” and strategic bombers. The notable appearance of J-35 stealth fighters alongside H-6 bombers in synchronized formations underscored the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s rapid modernization efforts and its ambition to project significant aerial dominance.
These advanced aircraft are strategically vital for China’s goal of securing “air superiority in regional conflicts.” The development and deployment of stealth fighters like the J-35 are particularly relevant for scenarios such as a “Taiwan scenario,” where the ability to penetrate sophisticated air defenses undetected and maintain control of the airspace would be a critical factor in any potential engagement, fundamentally influencing the operational outcome.
Stealth platforms are essential for modern air warfare, enabling forces to conduct precision strikes and gather intelligence within highly contested enemy airspace with a reduced risk of detection and interception. China’s investment in these cutting-edge aviation technologies demonstrates a clear commitment to developing an air force capable of challenging established air powers and executing complex missions across vast operational theatres.
Ultimately, these aerial assets, from advanced stealth fighters to strategic bombers, are central to China’s broader ambition of developing a “world-class” military capable of projecting power and influence on a global scale. This comprehensive approach to air warfare, encompassing both offensive and defensive capabilities, signals China’s determination to be a formidable player in the skies, ready to assert its strategic interests and deter potential adversaries through overwhelming air might.
Military equipment: Next-Generation Bomber
Name: Next-Generation Bomber
Caption: Boeing
Aim: Stealth aircraft
Issuer: United States Air Force
Outcome: Canceled
Successors: Long Range Strike Bomber
Categories: All articles with dead external links, Articles with dead external links from August 2021, Articles with short description, CS1: unfit URL, Military aircraft procurement programs of the United States
Summary: The Next-Generation Bomber (NGB; unofficially called the 2018 Bomber or B-3 Bomber) was a program to develop a new medium bomber for the United States Air Force. The NGB was initially projected to enter service around 2018 as a stealthy, subsonic, medium-range, medium payload bomber to supplement and possibly—to a limited degree—replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging bomber fleet (B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer). The Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) heavy bomber program superseded the NGB program.
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Read more about: Beyond the Spectacle: What China’s Military Parade Reveals for Asia and a Reordering World
10. **Robotic Ground Units and Intelligentized Warfare**China’s military parade offered a fascinating glimpse into the future of ground combat with the display of a “legion of robot dogs.” Paraded atop armored vehicles, these autonomous units underscored Beijing’s increasing emphasis on “intelligentised warfare,” a doctrine that seeks to integrate artificial intelligence and robotics across all domains of military operations to enhance effectiveness and reduce human risk.
The potential battlefield utility of these robotic units is extensive and transformative. While they could certainly be weaponized and utilized in direct combat, their roles extend to crucial support functions, such as reconnaissance in dangerous environments or providing logistics. The parade also featured “remote-controlled armored buggies that can clear mines and pick up wounded soldiers,” further illustrating the diversified applications of robotics in alleviating human exposure to high-risk tasks.
China’s “growing emphasis” on such autonomous systems for ground operations highlights a strategic shift towards leveraging technology to achieve a qualitative edge. While the adoption of these systems brings immense potential, it also presents practical considerations, including the significant “cost and repair” implications, as noted by Joshua Arostegui. These challenges require substantial logistical and financial commitment, indicating the scale of China’s investment in this evolving domain.
These developments in robotic ground units are a key component of China’s broader “unmanned warfare groups” strategy. Beijing is actively investing in a future where autonomous ground systems play an increasingly vital role in reducing human casualties, enhancing operational effectiveness, and providing versatile capabilities across diverse combat scenarios. This commitment signals a comprehensive re-imagining of ground warfare, positioning China at the forefront of robotic military integration.
Military equipment: Military robot
Categories: Articles with short description, CS1: unfit URL, CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list, Commons category link is on Wikidata, Military robots
Summary: Military robots are autonomous robots or remote-controlled mobile robots designed for military applications, from transport to search & rescue and attack.
Some such systems are currently in use, and many are under development. The difference between military robots and military drones is unclear as of 2025: some say that lethal autonomous weapons are robots whereas others describe “fully autonomous military drones”.
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The breadth and sophistication of the weaponry showcased by China at its recent military parade offer a profound insight into its strategic ambitions. From enhancing nuclear deterrence and developing unassailable hypersonic strike capabilities to pioneering autonomous systems on land, sea, and air, Beijing is meticulously building a military designed not just to defend its interests, but to redefine the global balance of power. The deliberate unveiling of these advanced systems serves as a clear declaration of intent: China is rapidly progressing towards a military establishment that is truly world-class, capable of projecting influence and confronting challenges across every domain of modern warfare, thereby compelling a re-evaluation of global strategic dynamics by all major powers.
