Beijing showcased its burgeoning military might in a parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, unveiling for the first time its complete nuclear triad and a range of advanced weaponry.
Nuclear Triad Unveiled
The parade, held in Tiananmen Square and overseen by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, featured the debut of a new Air-Launched Ballistic Missile (ALBM) and two new Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), completing the nuclear triad with a previously showcased Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
Global Leaders in Attendance
Several invited world leaders attended the event, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, both prominently seated alongside Xi.
New ICBMs Take Center Stage
Among the most notable displays were two new road-mobile ICBMs, designated the DF-31BJ and DF-61. Few details were available about the systems, both mounted on wheeled eight-axle Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles. The DF-31BJ is believed to be an advanced version of the DF-31AG ICBM, which was first presented in 2017.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Joins Arsenal
The new JL-1 ALBM is expected to be deployed on the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s Xi’an H-6N bombers, joining the YJ-21 anti-ship ALBM as one of two ALBMs in Chinese service.
Hypersonic and Conventional Missiles on Display
The parade also featured the debut of several of China’s conventional missiles, including the YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missiles. Land-based hypersonic missiles were also showcased, including the DF-26D, an evolution of the DF-26 family of Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles.
New Air Defense System Raises Questions
A newly unveiled land-based missile system, the HQ-29, featuring missiles enclosed in canisters and mounted on a six-axle TEL, was presented as part of the PLA’s multilayered air defense systems. However, its size suggests it could be an anti-satellite interceptor capable of mid-course ballistic missile defense, similar to the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
Counter-UAS Systems Highlighted
Specialist counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (c-UAS) also drew attention, including a gun and missile system with an autocannon and missile canisters, resembling the CASIC FK-3000 system displayed at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow. Other c-UAS systems included a microwave weapon and a vehicle-mounted laser.
Laser Weaponry on the Rise
The shipboard LY-1 High Energy Laser system, previously seen on an amphibious assault ship, was also displayed, indicating ongoing trials and development of advanced laser weapon technology.
