China's latest surface-to-ship missiles, combat drones, and nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to be showcased at the anti-Japanese war victory day (Victory Day) parade on the 3rd of next month have been captured in satellite images, Bloomberg reported on the 26th.
According to reports, the location where China's advanced weapons participating in the parade are concentrated was photographed by an Airbus satellite on the 9th, which included armored vehicles, air defense systems, artillery weapons such as rocket launchers, and cruise missiles. This is based on analysis by experts from the non-profit security think tank 'Open Nuclear Network (ONN)' in Vienna, Austria.
Bloomberg noted that China is preparing to showcase advanced military weapons at the parade to attract buyers while displaying its cutting-edge military technology.
Tianlan Xu, chief analyst at ONN, pointed out that 'the integration of advanced technologies such as hypersonic systems into the new weapons of the People's Liberation Army increases the likelihood of neutralizing enemy fleet defense systems and is clearly developed for the purpose of deterring U.S. naval power in the South Pacific.'
He analyzed that the advanced weapons that China is set to showcase focus on strike and unmanned attack and defense capabilities, saying, 'This indicates a determination to win in advanced, high-intensity warfare,' adding that 'China has developed numerous surface-to-ship missiles that can encompass all imaginable categories.'
He also anticipated that, to increase the probability of neutralizing the adversary's ship-based air defense systems at this parade, weapons equipped with advanced technologies such as hypersonic systems will be featured.
Bloomberg reported, citing ONN experts' analysis, that while specific details could not be confirmed from the satellite images of the gathering place, it is expected that Chinese authorities will unveil the new stealth attack drone 'Fei Hong (FH)-97' at this parade.
FH-97 is regarded as China's first combat drone capable of operating alongside manned aircraft and making independent tactical decisions using artificial intelligence (AI).
The communication also mentioned that, although it could not be specifically confirmed due to covers placed over estimated missile objects at the gathering site, several DF (Dongfeng)-41s are presumed to be present.
DF-41, which weighs 42 tons per unit, is a ground-launched mobile nuclear missile using three-stage solid fuel and has a range of 15,000 kilometers, capable of striking the U.S. mainland.
In addition, Bloomberg analyzed that the DF-100 hypersonic cruise missile is expected to be one of the missiles at the gathering site covered by a lid.
With a range of 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers and a speed of Mach 4, the DF-100 combines inertial navigation with Beidou satellite positioning, providing 'meter-level' accuracy, capable of striking a target within 40 minutes. It was previously shown covered during the 2019 National Day parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of China, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency.
Deputy Director Wu Zheker of the Military Parade Preparation Office drew attention during a press conference on the 20th, stating, 'We will focus on unveiling next-generation weaponry intensively since the 70th anniversary parade in 2019.'
In diplomatic circles, attention is being paid to the fact that, at this moment, Chinese authorities are proactively disclosing advanced weaponry that is 'classified.'
This has led to analyses suggesting that China intends to showcase its firm resolve to respond strongly against the Donald Trump U.S. administration, which is repeatedly facing conflicts and confrontations in political, diplomatic, security, and economic areas, including high tariffs and trade negotiations, in front of potential weapon-buying countries ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit taking place on the 31st in Tianjin.
The SCO summit is expected to see attendance from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Vietnam's President Luong Kinh.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2013, the People's Liberation Army has been pursuing modernization efforts to reach an equal level to the U.S. Army by 2049, introducing advanced weapon systems from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army.
SCMP first introduced GJ-2 (Wing Loong-2), PL-15 air-to-air missiles, HQ-19 ballistic missile defense systems, KJ-3000, J-20 and J-35 as advanced weaponry of the Air Force.
GJ-2 is a long-endurance reconnaissance and strike drone, considered China's version of the U.S. Air Force's advanced drone 'MQ-9' (Reaper), capable of carrying 4.2 tons of bombs or missiles and has an endurance of up to 32 hours.
The PL-15 air-to-air missile has a range of 200 to 300 kilometers and will be mounted on advanced fighter jets J-20 and J-35. China expects it to play a role in deterring or limiting U.S. military involvement in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
The HQ-19 ballistic missile defense system is similar to the U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). It is an 8-wheeled mobile launcher equipped with six interceptors.
The KJ-3000 is the latest air warning and control aircraft for countering enemy stealth fighters and drones. China operates it for use in conflicts in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and West Pacific.
The J-20 is China's first fifth-generation fighter, capable of being utilized in combat alongside the KJ-3000.
The J-35 is China's second fifth-generation fighter, developed to compete with the advanced stealth aircraft of the U.S. Air Force, the F-35 and F-22.
For naval use, it includes the 815A reconnaissance ship, 076 amphibious assault ship, 055 destroyer, and aircraft carriers Shandong and Fujian.
The 815A reconnaissance ship is the latest electronic surveillance vessel, capable of tracking all military ships in case of emergencies using China's space-based satellite systems.
The 076 amphibious assault ship applies a catapult system and is equipped with a large flight deck that can simultaneously launch and land several helicopters. It is evaluated as a de facto light aircraft carrier and a transport vessel for landing operations.
The 055 destroyer is equipped with multi-purpose guided missiles, has air defense and anti-submarine capabilities, and is the main destroyer of China's aircraft carriers.
The Shandong is China's second aircraft carrier, built with domestic technology and currently in operation.
The Fujian, which was launched in June 2022 with a displacement of over 80,000 tons, is China's first catapult-type aircraft carrier designed and built domestically, adopting an electromagnetic catapult system rather than the ski-jump takeoff method used by the Liaoning and Shandong. It is also expected to officially enter service in conjunction with next month's Victory Day.
For rocket forces, the ICBMs DF-31 and DF-41 were introduced.
For ground forces, the PHL-16 multiple rocket launcher, comparable to the U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and the 99A type, China's first mass-produced third-generation main battle tank were showcased.