China Showcases Cutting-Edge Military Innovations in Grand Parade

On March 6, 2024, China held a significant military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory against Japanese aggression in World War II. The event marked the first public display of an extensive array of advanced weaponry, highlighting China’s military capabilities. Among the showcased systems were laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, and fifth-generation aircraft, signaling the nation’s commitment to expanding its military prowess.

One of the standout innovations was the LY-1 laser weapon, mounted on an eight-wheeled HZ-155 armored truck. This advanced system is designed to damage the optical sensors of enemy equipment, a development that Chinese defense analysts believe could transform maritime warfare. The weapon’s introduction comes shortly after India successfully tested its own high-power laser-based Directed-Energy Weapons (DEW) system, which garnered praise from military experts.

The parade also featured the DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile, marking its debut in public view. According to state-run Global Times, this missile boasts an impressive range of over 20,000 kilometers, allowing it to reach targets across the globe. Experts noted its enhanced capabilities for defense penetration and precision.

In addition to the DF-5C, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) unveiled its first air-launched nuclear missile, the JL-1, which is significantly smaller than the JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile. These systems, along with the DF-61 and DF-31, represent a “first concentrated display” of China’s strategic nuclear forces across land, sea, and air. Military blogger Ma Yan emphasized that the upgraded DF-5C demonstrates China’s credible and reliable strategic deterrence.

The PLA Rocket Force showcased the DF-26D, a variant of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile. With the ability to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, this missile has a reported range of up to 5,000 kilometers. The parade also included China’s fifth-generation combat aircraft, featuring five models such as the J-20 and J-35, which flew in formations not seen before, marking a historic moment for military aviation.

Among the various systems displayed were cruise missiles, including the CJ-1000 vehicle-mounted supersonic missile and the YJ-21 air-launched ballistic missile. Notably, four new hypersonic strike missiles—YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20—were also presented, showcasing the Navy’s capability for rapid, long-distance strikes.

The array of air defense systems was particularly notable, with the debut of the HQ-20 and HQ-22A anti-aircraft missile systems. These systems are equipped to counter a range of threats, including hypersonic glide vehicles, which pose significant challenges to traditional missile defense systems.

The parade also highlighted the Type 99B main battle tank, featuring advanced technology such as an unmanned turret and augmented reality systems. This latest version of China’s third-generation tanks is reportedly the lightest capable of operating in high-altitude regions like Tibet.

In addition to conventional military hardware, China showcased a variety of advanced unmanned systems, including reconnaissance and combat drones capable of forming autonomous swarms. The parade also featured the latest models of military transport aircraft, including the Y-20A and its upgraded variant, the Y-20B, which are essential for strategic airlift capabilities.

As China continues to modernize its military capabilities, the unveiling of these advanced systems at such a prominent event underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing its defense and deterrence strategies.