China Unveils Full Nuclear Triad and High-Tech Arsenal in Grand Victory Day Parade

Beijing, September 3, 2025 — In a dramatic military display marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II defeat, China’s leadership revealed a sweeping array of advanced weapons systems signaling a bold step in its strategic modernization. From the debut of a complete nuclear triad to next-generation drones and hypersonic missiles, the parade delivered a clear message of expanding military reach.

Complete Nuclear Triad Takes Center Stage

For the first time, China publicly showcased the full complement of land-, sea-, and air-launched nuclear capabilities:

• Land-based ICBMs: The newly revealed DF-61, a road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile resembling the DF-41, appeared for the first time. Observers view it as China’s most advanced ICBM to date. A silo-based counterpart also appeared: the DF-31BJ, an upgraded variant of the solid-fuel DF-31 series, likely incorporating enhancements from the tested DF-31AG.

• Heavy liquid-fuel ICBM: The DF-5C—a modernized version of China’s oldest silo-based missile—was on display. It boasts global-range capabilities and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

• Submarine-launched SLBM: The JL-3, China’s third-generation SLBM, was highlighted as part of its sea-based deterrence. Armed with MIRVs and capable of over 10,000 km range, it enhances China’s second-strike assurance.

• Air-launched component: The Jing Lei-1 (JL-1), China’s first air-launched ballistic missile, crowned the triad. Mounted on a truck, it marked China’s completion of the strategic “land-sea-air” nuclear force.

Together, these unveiled systems constitute a potent symbolic and operational expansion of China’s nuclear posture.

Hypersonic and Cruise Missile Advances

China also displayed a broad suite of advanced missiles with enhanced speed and maneuverability:

• DF-26D: A variant of the DF-26 series, this hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile is tailored to threaten US naval assets in the Western Pacific—famously dubbed the “Guam killer.”

• CJ-1000: A hypersonic cruise missile powered by a scramjet, likely ranging around several thousand kilometers. It fills a strategic niche between intermediate and intercontinental systems and is engineered for atmospheric maneuvering and penetration of advanced air defenses.

Additional YJ-series missiles—YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, YJ-20, and YJ-18C—were also featured, indicating a layered and all-weather anti-ship strike capability.

Cutting-Edge Ground and Drone Systems

The infantry and aerial warfare capabilities were not neglected:

• Main Battle Tanks: The Type 99B, an upgraded variant of the Type 99 with active protection systems and fire-control radars, and the new Type 100, featuring an unmanned turret and advanced radar and APS, signaled growth in armored sophistication.

• Unmanned Aerial Systems: The stealthy GJ-11 combat drone, described as a “loyal wingman,” appeared alongside several unnamed drones in a formation—pointing to a future where unmanned systems operate closely with crewed aircraft.

• Carrier-Based Fighters: Updated J-15 variants—the J-15T, J-15DH, and J-15DT—performed over Tiananmen Square, along with the J-35, China’s second stealth fifth-generation carrier fighter.

Directed-Energy and Drone Defense Arsenal

To counter aerial threats, especially drones, China displayed a comprehensive counter-UAV "triad" of:

• Missile guns

• High-energy laser systems

• High-power microwave weapons, forming a layered defense scheme.

Political Message and Strategic Significance

The parade’s grandeur, witnessed by leaders including President Xi Jinping—and attended by foreign dignitaries such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un—was as much about signaling as hardware. Analysts note that showcasing previously unseen systems like the DF-61, DF-31BJ, JL-1, and CJ-1000 reflects China’s push to close the gap with US strategic might while asserting its deterrence narrative.

Yet skepticism remains in some quarters. Experts remind observers that advanced technology’s parade presentation does not confirm battlefield readiness—especially given China’s lack of combat experience since 1979.