China Flaunts Nuclear Missiles, Hypersonic Weapons At Huge Military Parade | Photos

In a dramatic show of military might, China held one of the largest and most sophisticated parades in its history on Wednesday, September 3, unveiling a broad range of advanced weaponry that experts say could reshape the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. (AP Photo)

The parade, marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in World War II, was held at Beijing's iconic Tiananmen Square and attended by over 50,000 spectators, including world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. (AP Photo)

The highly choreographed display underscored China's rapidly advancing military capabilities and appeared aimed at sending a clear message to the United States and its allies. (News18 Hindi)

In addition to the DF-5C, China showcased the YJ-17, a next-generation medium-range anti-ship missile equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. This technology allows the missile to maneuver at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making it significantly harder to detect and intercept. The YJ-17 is believed to pose a serious threat to carrier strike groups and other naval assets in the Pacific. (News18 Hindi)

Also on display was the CJ-20A, an air-launched cruise missile deployed from the H-6K strategic bomber. With an estimated range of 2,000 to 2,500 kilometres, the CJ-20A is considered an upgrade of the older KD-20 missile and is designed for precision strikes against high-value targets deep inside enemy territory. (News18 Hindi)

China also debuted the LY-1, a high-energy ship-based laser weapon system that represents a leap forward in directed-energy warfare. According to Chinese defence officials, the LY-1 can disable the optical sensors of enemy drones, missiles, and surveillance systems. This marks the first time the LY-1 has been publicly displayed, and military analysts say it could provide China with a tactical advantage in contested maritime zones. (News18 Hindi)

Meanwhile, the Unmanned Operations Group of the Chinese military presented several advanced drone platforms, including ship-launched unmanned helicopters and the HSU-100, a large unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) developed by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The HSU-100 is believed to be capable of conducting deep-sea reconnaissance and other maritime warfare operations. (News18 Hindi)

In a more traditional display of force, China paraded its newest generation of main battle tanks and armoured vehicles through Tiananmen Square, accompanied by tightly organised formations of People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground troops. (News18 Hindi)

The soldiers, dressed in ceremonial and combat uniforms, marched in precise unison, exemplifying the discipline and growing professionalism of China’s military. (News18 Hindi)

The sheer scale and technological sophistication of the parade are likely to heighten concerns in the US and other Western capitals about China's military ambitions. With tensions already simmering over Taiwan, the South China Sea, and increased military cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea, Wednesday's parade appeared carefully designed to project confidence, unity, and readiness for potential conflict. (News18 Hindi)