Nuclear capable missiles, anti-drone laser systems and underwater drones: China unveils military might

China marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a military parade overseen by President Xi Jinping in Central Beijing on Wednesday.

During the parade, China unveiled several weapons and displayed the strength of the People's Liberation Army.

Missiles

During the parade, China unveiled nuclear-capable missiles that can be launched from sea, land and air together. This is the first time it displayed its nuclear capabilities in public, Reuters reported.


These included air-based, long-range missile Jinglei-1, the submarine-launched intercontinental missile Julang-3 and land-based intercontinental missiles Dongfeng-61 (DF-61) and Dongfeng-31.

The Dongfeng-5C (DF-5C) is the newest version of a missile programme China took up in the 1970s. The missile is liquid-fuelled and capable of releasing multiple, independent warheads on a single target, according to the report.

Further, the parade also displayed hypersonic anti-ship missiles that China has previously tested against mockups of U.S. aircraft carriers. Those included the Yingji-19, Yingji-17 and Yingji-20, the report added.

Other missiles featured included cruise missiles, including the Changjian-20A, Yingji-18C, Changjian-1000, and other hypersonic missiles like the Yingji-21, Dongfeng-17 and Dongfeng-26D. China's state media reported these weapons to be equipped with "all-weather combat capabilities".

Laser weapons

China has developed laser weapons to defend against drone attacks. The full range of its anti-drone systems was on display at the parade included a missile gun, high-energy laser weapons and high-power microwave weapons. State media said that represented a "triad" in the People's Liberation Army's anti-drone systems.

Drones

China also showed its drones, which can operate underwater and in air. It also unveiled drones that could be used for reconnaissance and to strike targets. It also featured unmanned helicopters designed to be launched from ships. The sea-based systems included submarines, surface vessels and a mine-laying system.