Over the weekend, residents of Beijing witnessed a striking display of military power as some of the newest Chinese weapons rolled through the city during a rehearsal for the upcoming Chinese military parade. The practice run took place near Tiananmen Square and lasted from Saturday evening to early Sunday morning.
Advanced weapons take over Chinese military parade rehearsal
The rehearsal involved nearly 40,000 personnel and prepared for the large Chinese military parade scheduled for September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Photos and videos circulating online showed a wide range of modern weaponry moving through the streets.
Observers spotted some of the most eye-catching systems, including advanced anti-ship missiles, a massive road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile system, giant unmanned underwater vehicles, a mysterious laser weapon, along with new drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and next-generation armoured tanks.
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The scene resembled a rolling exhibition of cutting-edge warfare technology. Trucks and trailers carried weapon systems never before seen in public. Security forces carefully escorted each piece of equipment, but curious onlookers still captured footage during the rehearsal for the Chinese military parade.
Hypersonic missiles and giant torpedoes in Chinese military parade line-up
One of the highlights of the Chinese military parade rehearsal was the appearance of several new anti-ship missiles from the YJ series. The display included the YJ-15 and three types of hypersonic missiles: the YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20.
The YJ-17 drew attention because it carried a hypersonic glide vehicle. This type of weapon can fly at extreme speeds and manoeuvre in mid-air. These features make it very difficult to track or intercept. The YJ-19 also stood out. Visible air inlets and its design, which looked similar to Russia’s Zircon missile, suggested it may use a scramjet engine. This kind of engine lets the missile fly at hypersonic speeds while “breathing” air as fuel. The YJ-20 had a biconic aerodynamic shape. This design hinted that it could re-enter the atmosphere at very high speeds while still remaining maneuverable.
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A massive missile canister on a transport-erector-launcher vehicle added more intrigue. The vehicle had a unique single-side cab design. It carried what appeared to be a new or upgraded road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile system. A tarp covered the system, sparking speculation about its size and range since such weapons carry long-distance nuclear-capable missiles.
Observers also spotted two giant unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) on trailers. They identified one as the AJX002, a torpedo-shaped craft measuring about 18 to 20 meters in length and using pump jet propulsion. The craft resembled Russia’s Poseidon nuclear torpedo, although no one has confirmed whether it is nuclear-powered or armed. Another even larger UUV appeared on a trailer but remained hidden under covers, raising further questions about its role in the Chinese military parade line-up.
An eight-wheeled, boxy carrier painted in camouflage drew further attention. Crews kept its turret covered, but its outline suggested it was a directed-energy laser weapon system. The size of the vehicle pointed to a high-power system possibly intended for air defense. Its designation also hinted at potential naval applications.
New tanks, armoured vehicles and unmanned systems on display
The rehearsal for the Chinese military parade was not limited to missiles and underwater vehicles. Next-generation tanks and armoured vehicles also played a major role in the line-up. A new light tank was among the highlights. Smaller than the widely known Type 99A, this tank displayed advanced protective features.
Footage showed it equipped with a four-sided radar, active protection systems, a laser weapon, and an air defense gun. This combination allows it to defend itself against threats like anti-tank missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, loitering munitions, and drones. The tank also appeared to mount a 105mm main gun on an unmanned turret, with the crew operating inside while wearing helmets linked to augmented reality and virtual reality displays. The presence of smart devices suggested a mix of human control and autonomous technology inside the tank.
New tanks moved alongside armoured infantry fighting vehicles and fire support vehicles, and many of them carried similar defensive systems. Observers also spotted airborne versions of infantry fighting vehicles and mobile mortars, which showed that forces are preparing lightweight but powerful armoured vehicles for rapid deployment.
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A variety of unmanned systems also featured prominently. Trucks carried fleets of drones and unmanned ground vehicles through the city streets. These ranged from aerial drones capable of surveillance or attack to robotic land vehicles built for support roles on the battlefield.
The rehearsal for the Chinese military parade served as a preview of the country’s growing focus on advanced and automated warfare systems. Every weapon on display was said to be domestically developed and already in service, underlining a focus on self-reliance in defense technology.
From hypersonic missiles and underwater vehicles to directed-energy weapons and high-tech tanks, the Chinese military parade rehearsal offered a rare glimpse into some of the most modern tools of war now in the hands of the People’s Liberation Army.