China’s new high-tech weapons leak online ahead of massive military parade

China intends to hold a large-scale military parade on September 3, where it will demonstrate its latest anti-ship missiles, combat drones, and ballistic missiles with nuclear capabilities. Beijing wants not only to show its military power but also to attract the attention of potential international buyers.

Airbus satellite images from August 9 have already shown dozens of armored personnel carriers, air defense systems, artillery installations, and cruise missiles at the parade site.

Advanced technologies to deter US

According to Tianran Xu, a senior analyst at the Security Center, the People's Liberation Army's new systems are equipped with advanced hypersonic technologies. They increase the chances of overcoming ship-based air defense systems and are clearly designed to deter the US Navy in the Western Pacific.

The analyst says the goal is to win a high-tech, intense war. Few countries have developed so many anti-ship missiles for all possible scenarios.

Parade as political event

The events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II will be one of the key events in President Xi Jinping's political calendar. He will be at the center of activities in Tiananmen Square, demonstrating China's power.

The parade will take place immediately after the summit in Tianjin, where Xi Jinping will meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders.

Photo: Satellite image from August 25 showing the site for the Chinese military parade in the suburbs of Beijing (Pléiades Neo/Airbus DS)

Faithful winged companions

Among the weapons, strike and reconnaissance drones are visible, which, according to satellite images, are being transported through Beijing. This includes faithful winged companion systems capable of working alongside manned fighter jets.

In 2021, China unveiled the Feihong FH-97 stealth drone prototype, the country's first combat drone ready for combat use. According to Janes, faithful winged partners systems are capable of multiplying the capabilities of weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare.

For comparison, the US is developing its own Collaborative Combat Aircraft program for the Air Force with a budget of $490 million in 2024.

Photos of military equipment to be shown at the parade are also being posted online.

A better image of the third so far known CCA/UCAV https://t.co/MgUsM8gYGs pic.twitter.com/5tJ4OCNin0

— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 17, 2025

Army modernization

China is actively investing in the modernization of its armed forces. The country ranks fourth in the world in arms exports, but its customers are mostly countries with limited budgets, such as Pakistan. In May, it used Chinese J-10Cs and PL-15 missiles to shoot down five Indian fighter jets, which boosted the shares of Chinese defense companies.

Beijing is one of the leaders in the development of hypersonic missiles, which are too fast and maneuverable for traditional air defense systems. This technology has become a key element in the competition between the US and the China-Russia alliance. Ukraine reported that Russia used such missiles against it in 2024.

China demonstrates power

Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that a Victory Day ceremony will be held in Beijing on September 3 at Tiananmen Square. It will last about 70 minutes and will be led by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The event will be the second parade since 2015 to mark the official surrender of Japanese troops in 1945.

China has significantly accelerated the pace of modernization and expansion of its nuclear arsenal. Beijing is deploying the most ambitious build-up of strategic capabilities in decades.

Meanwhile, the Chinese authorities have repeatedly stated that they do not rule out the use of force to reunify with Taiwan.

On August 8, Taiwan recorded nearly 60 Chinese aircraft and 10 ships near the island.