On September 3, 2025, Beijing staged a grand Victory Day military parade at Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The event was not only a commemoration of history but also a platform for China to demonstrate its growing military might and technological advancement.
China unveiled an array of cutting-edge military systems—from hypersonic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to fighter jets, stealth drones, armored tanks, and space defense technologies. With global leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un present, the display also served as a powerful geopolitical signal.
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Hypersonic and Ballistic Missiles
YJ-15 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile
One of the most significant unveilings was the YJ-15 hypersonic missile, part of the Ying Ji (Eagle Strike) family.
- Capabilities: Designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, it can penetrate advanced naval defense systems and target large warships such as aircraft carriers.
- Launch Platforms: Deployable from both ships and aircraft, enhancing flexibility.
- Strategic Role: Strengthens China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
China showcased three new nuclear-capable ICBMs, signaling a leap in strategic deterrence.
- Dong Feng-61 (DF-61): Mobile-launched, long-range missile designed for rapid deployment.
- Dong Feng-31BJ (DF-31BJ): An upgraded, road-mobile ICBM capable of multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).
- Dong Feng-5C (DF-5C): The centerpiece, with a range exceeding 20,000 km, allowing Beijing to target any point on the globe. It can carry up to 12 warheads on a single missile.
- JL-1 Air-Launched Nuclear Missile: China’s first nuclear missile launched from an aircraft, expanding its nuclear triad.
Naval and Undersea Systems
AJX002 Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV)
Another major highlight was the AJX002 underwater drone, measuring over 18 meters in length.
- Capabilities: Long-range, stealth operations for surveillance, mine-laying, or offensive missions.
- Fleet Expansion: China now fields at least five types of XLUUVs, consolidating dominance in undersea drone warfare.
- Strategic Role: Enhances anti-submarine warfare and extends Chinese naval reach deep into contested waters.
Space and Air Defense Systems
HQ-29 Space Defense System
Making its first public appearance, the HQ-29 missile system represents China’s entry into space defense.
- Capabilities: Anti-satellite weapon (ASAT), able to disable or destroy enemy satellites in orbit.
- Strategic Role: Strengthens China’s ability to blind adversaries in modern, satellite-dependent warfare.
Air Power and Fighter Jets
The parade featured several of China’s most advanced combat aircraft, reinforcing its position as a global air power.
- J-20 Mighty Dragon (Stealth Fighter):
- Fifth-generation stealth fighter, comparable to the US F-22 Raptor.
- Features advanced radar-evading design, long-range strike capabilities, and integrated avionics.
- Deployed in large formations, signaling mass production and operational readiness.
- J-35 (Carrier-Based Stealth Fighter):
- A new addition, optimized for aircraft carriers.
- Showcased with folded wings, highlighting China’s naval aviation growth.
- H-20 Stealth Bomber (Speculated):
- Though not officially confirmed, military analysts noted a possible prototype flyover.
- Intended as a long-range strategic bomber, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional payloads.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Big Drones
China displayed an impressive lineup of unmanned systems, reflecting its rapid advances in drone warfare.
- Wing Loong-3 (Large Combat UAV):
- Long-endurance strike drone, capable of precision-guided missile attacks.
- Comparable to the US MQ-9 Reaper.
- GJ-11 Sharp Sword (Stealth UCAV):
- Flying-wing stealth drone for deep-penetration strikes.
- Can operate in contested airspaces and carry heavy payloads.
- WZ-10 Reconnaissance UAVs:
- Smaller surveillance drones used for battlefield awareness.
- High-Altitude Solar-Powered UAVs:
- Designed for near-space operations, capable of persistent surveillance missions.
Armored and Ground Systems
China also paraded its latest advancements in armored warfare.
- Type-99A Main Battle Tank:
- China’s most advanced tank, featuring modular composite armor, active protection systems, and a 125mm smoothbore gun.
- Deployed in large numbers during the parade.
- VT-5 Light Tank:
- Designed for high-altitude operations such as Tibet and the Himalayan frontier.
- Lighter, highly mobile, and air-transportable.
- ZBD-04A Infantry Fighting Vehicle:
- Amphibious IFV, equipped with a 100mm gun and anti-tank missile launchers.
- Strengthens combined arms operations.
Geopolitical Context
Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the parade, calling for peace but also warning against confrontation. His message carried symbolic weight, as he was flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, both of whom watched from Tiananmen Gate.
The display of power came amid strained relations with the United States and its allies. Shortly after the parade, former US President Donald Trump criticized Xi on social media for not acknowledging America’s role in World War II.
For Beijing, however, the event was a demonstration of national pride and technological progress—a message to the world that China is no longer just a regional power, but a global military contender.
Conclusion
The 2025 Victory Day Parade was more than a commemoration—it was a statement. From hypersonic weapons and nuclear missiles to stealth aircraft, drones, and undersea vehicles, China showcased an arsenal designed to challenge the US-led global order.
By integrating land, air, sea, and space capabilities, Beijing sent a clear message: its military modernization drive is reaching maturity, and its influence on future global security dynamics will be impossible to ignore.