China flexed its military might in a staggering show of its advanced weapon systems and fighter jets on Wednesday as it marked 80 years since the end of World War II.

With 20 world leaders in attendance, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping paraded advanced hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, anti-ship missiles and armoured vehicles as the world got to witness some of the most high-tech military hardware.

An impressive array of drones was also on display, as was the much-talked about LY-1 laser weapon. China also showed its aerial strength as fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, including the J-20s and J-35s, zoomed past.

Even though analysts have expressed scepticism over the efficacy of Chinese weapons, especially after Operation Sindoor exposed vulnerabilities in Chinese air defence systems with Pakistan, it is a fact that most of the military hardware on display on Wednesday are not available with India or are under development.

A LOOK AT CHINA’S NEW WEAPONS

Hypersonic ‘Yingji’ missiles

China displayed several new YJ-series hypersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. These are designed to strike warships out at sea at six to seven times the speed of sound with last-stage manoeuvres that make it impossible for air defences to thwart incoming attacks.

YJ-21 anti-ship missile

The YJ-21, already deployed on Chinese warships, differs from traditional hypersonic cruise missiles by incorporating a ballistic flight path. The missile can fly outside the atmosphere before re-entering at six to seven times the speed of sound, furthering its reach and increasing its terminal speed.

With the Yingji series and YJ-21, China demonstrated its dominance of a missile technology that is still under development in most countries, including India.

DF-5C intercontinental missile

The DF-5C ICBM, a new addition to China’s long-range nuclear missile family, was paraded with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). The missile, which launches from underground silos, has the ability to cross continents and target multiple locations in a single launch.

DF-17 with hypersonic glide vehicle

The DF-17 combines a traditional ballistic missile that launches a hypersonic glide vehicle into space before the latter re-enters and hones in on a target at speeds of Mach 6 to 7. This makes the glide vehicle harder to intercept and allows precision strikes at longer ranges.

JL-1 air-launched nuclear missile

An air-launched version of the JL-1 nuclear-capable missile was seen making its public debut as part of China’s ‘nuclear triad’. Launched by a heavy bomber such as the H-6, the JL-1 gives China the ability to fire an aerial nuclear missile from hundreds of kilometres away – a distinct advantage over conventional methods such as flying over a target and dropping a gravity bomb.

AJX002 under-sea drone

A giant under-sea drone, the AJX002 is reported to be over 18 metres long with a torpedo-like shape and pump-jet propulsion. Such drones can conduct stealthy surveillance, mine warfare or act as decoys.

Large unmanned surface vessel

A large unmanned surface vessel with stealth shaping was shown for the first time at the parade. Like the drone submarine, not much is known about this vessel.

J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters

The parade featured China’s fifth-generation J-20 and J-35 fighters. The J-20 is an advanced long-range stealth jet, while the carrier-borne J-35 will bring low-observable strike capability to Chinese aircraft carriers. Not really new, the jets represent the pinnacle of fighter jet technology that is in service right now. India is yet to start developing its own fifth-generation jet.

FH-97 combat drone

Also at the parade, was the FH-97 “loyal wingman” drone, designed to fly alongside manned fighters. Highlight autonomous, the drones remain under the control of the pilot flying in the manned fighter. These drones can perform a variety of roles including surveillance, acting as decoys, and firing missiles.

KJ-600 carrier AEW aircraft

The KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft stands out for its ability to operate off of an aircraft carrier. It’s basically an airborne radar and command centre that can take off from the middle of the sea.

H-6 strategic bombers

With cruise missile and ballistic missile carriage, the H-6 provides long-range strike capability and forms the air leg of China’s nuclear deterrent.

(With inputs from Sandeep Unnithan)

– Ends