A grand 'Victory Day' military parade marked the 80th-anniversary celebration of World War II victory over Japan at Tiananmen Square. This spectacle was more than historical—it was a demonstration of China's formidable military prowess. President Xi Jinping, alongside Russian and North Korean leaders, observed over 10,000 soldiers, 100+ aircraft, and hundreds of vehicles showcasing might.
For the first time, China's full nuclear triad—land, sea, and air-based nuclear capabilities—was put on display. Debuts included four new YJ-series anti-ship missiles, DF-5C ICBM, the J-20S fighter jet, and several other powerful weapons aimed at challenging American naval dominance.
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Source: aajtak
A Message of Peace or a Military Warning?
The 70-minute parade featured over 100 domestic weapons, with Xi Jinping emphasizing a choice between peace or war, a message directed towards the U.S. and Taiwan amid regional tensions. Hypersonic missiles, stealth drones, and the nuclear triad highlighted China's high-tech warfare capabilities, often eluding current anti-missile systems.
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Four New YJ Series Anti-Ship Missiles: Unsparing Naval Force
Premiered for the first time, the YJ (Yingji or 'Eagle Attack') series missiles exhibit hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5. Each missile variant is designed for launch via ships, aircraft, or land. They present significant interception challenges for current global defense systems.
Source: aajtak
YJ-15: A supersonic, ramjet-powered cruise missile. Speed: Approx. 3,700 km/h, Range: Up to 400 km, versatile launch platforms. Highlights: Compact, attack efficacy akin to YJ-12, cost-effective at roughly USD 6.8M each.
YJ-17: Hypersonic glide missiles; boasting Mach 5-8 speeds and up to 1,500 km range. Notable attribute: Boost-glide vehicle with evasive maneuvers, concerning for U.S. Navy.
YJ-19: Scramjet hypersonic missile; offers speeds between Mach 6-10 and a 2,000 km reach. Distinguished by air intake design aiding high maneuverability, evading traditional defenses.
YJ-20: Hypersonic/aeroballistic missile with potential ranges exceeding 2,000 km. Deployment platforms include the Type 055 destroyer or H-6 bomber; first identified in 2022.
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DF-5C: A Formidable Liquid-Fueled ICBM
The Dongfeng-5C (DF-5C) intercontinental ballistic missile was paraded, showcasing liquid-fueled, global strike capabilities. As it passed through Tiananmen, its formidable range was indisputable.
Source: aajtak
Range: Over 13,000 km, Potentially targeting U.S. territories.
Payload: Multiple nuclear warheads (MIRV), accommodating 5-10 warheads.
Launch: Capable of silo or mobile deployment.
Features: Strategic deterrent, capable of destabilizing U.S. missile defenses.
Weight/Size: 183 tons and 33 m in length.
Initial Deployment: 1980s, with subsequent upgrades enhancing capabilities.
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Nuclear Triad: A Strategic Fortification
For the first time, China revealed its complete nuclear triad—integrating land (ICBMs), sea (SLBMs), and air (bombers) nuclear capabilities into a consolidated 'second-strike' strategy.
Source: aajtak
Land-based: DF-31AG and DF-41 ICBMs. DF-31AG offers 11,000 km range with mobility and MIRV potential. DF-41, boasting a 12,000-15,000 km reach, supports 10 MIRV warheads.
Sea-based: JL-3 SLBM, operational from Type 096 submarines. They ensure stealthy, potent strikes on enemy shores with a range of over 10,000 km.
Air-based: H-6N bomber with a 6,000 km range, extendable by refueling. Payload options include cruise missiles and nuclear bombs, capable of air-launching ballistic warfare effectively.
Source: aajtak
J-20S: A Stealth Masterpiece Takes Flight
Debuting for the first time, China's two-seater J-20S fighter jet represents an advanced version of the J-20, leveraging stealth technology for superior air capabilities.
Speed: Over Mach 2 (2,500 km/h).
Range: Over 2,000 km.
Seating: Accommodates a pilot and weapon systems officer.
Features: Radar-stealth design, excellent for air superiority and ground attacks.
Armament: Equipped with PL-15 missiles and laser-guided bombs.
First Flight: 2024, designed for training and multi-role missions, positioned as an adversary to the F-35.
Source: aajtak
Additional Military Power: Drones, Tanks, and Underwater Vehicles
The parade showcased other state-of-the-art Chinese military innovations.
FH-97 Stealth Combat Drone: A 'loyal wingman,' speeds exceeding Mach 1 and a 1,000 km range. Operating in conjunction with J-20, its capabilities include reconnaissance, attack, and electronic jamming.
AJX-002 Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV): A stealth-equipped underwater drone designed for nuclear capabilities, comparable to Russia's Poseidon.
ZTZ-201 Medium Tank: A next-gen tank featuring active protection systems. Despite a smaller size than the Type 99A, it's equipped for enhanced survival against UAVs and anti-tank threats.
Source: aajtak
DF-17 Hypersonic Missile: With an 1,800-2,500 km range, its maneuverable design signifies a 'carrier killer' potential.
HQ-19 Anti-Ballistic Missile Defense: Offers defense range of 3,000+ km, resembling the U.S. THAAD system.
Broadcasting China's growing military prowess, this parade underlines a 'Made in China' military tech evolution, potentially challenging the U.S. forefront. Even with the ominous power of hypersonic missiles and the displayed nuclear triad, experts suggest these weapons primarily serve deterrent purposes. The world's gaze remains fixed on tensions surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea.
