Military parade reveals extensive new missile developments with significance for naval applications. Drones also feature heavily in commemorative display. Naval News provides an exhaustive overview.
The Chinese military on September 3 conducted a long anticipated parade celebrating the end of World War 2 in the Pacific. The date marks the 80th anniversary of formal conclusion of hostilities following the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945 onboard the American battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. National Chinese forces, then representing the Republic of China, originally conducted a victory parade on September 3, 1945 in the central Chinese city of Chongqing. The PRC in their formal announcements dubbed the event the “80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War”.
In the context of the Chinese military parade the PLA displayed several new or recently revealed military capabilities. The weapon systems covered the full spectrum of naval, air and ground forces. Additionally a flying display by PLA Army helicopters, PLAAF and PLA Navy fixed wing aviation complemented the event on Chang’an Avenue in Beijing.
Naval News provides an outline of the naval capabilities on display, describing notable designs and highlighting open questions and further context for the event. Both the missile displays and airborne overflights in particular emphase ongoing modernisation for the PLAN carrier force in addition to surface combatants and submarines.
Air defence capabilities
The Chinese military parade included a dedicated naval segment with naval air defence missiles including the HHQ-9C, HQ-16C and HQ-10 missile systems. Following these was the new LY-1 shipborne laser-based directed energy weapon. The order of presentation seemingly illustrated air defence capability from the longest to shortest range interceptor systems.
HHQ-9C
HHQ-9 represents the long range air defence capability of PLAN. The missile originally made its debut on the Type 052C-series of missile destroyers, mounted in a vertical launch system distinct to this combatant. The HHQ-9B is a range-extended variant and operational on Type 052D and the large Type 055 missile destroyers. These designs launch the ordnance from their “universal” VLS or UVLS. The new HHQ-9C features a more slender body sitting on top of a larger booster. The body also includes notable attitude control thrusters substituting flight control surfaces on the forward segment. Its exact capabilities remain speculative.Observers draw comparisons to the Patriot PAC-3 CRI and MSE missiles for high altitude endo-atmospheric air defence, including against ballistic missiles.
Further specifications, including whether the warhead is a hit to kill- or fragmentation-design, remain undisclosed. The compact form factor may enable dual-packing the missile into UVLS, however this too remains speculative.
HQ-16C
The HQ-16 is the PLAN medium range-air defence missile arming primarily Type 054A- and Type 054B multirole frigates. The missile uses the H/AKJ-16 VLS and is also present on various modernised older missile destroyers, notably the Type 051C, Type 052B and Sovremenny-class combatants. The operational analogue of HQ-16 in Western navies is the American RIM-162 ESSM. Unlike ESSM however the HQ-16 cannot be quad-packed, requiring one cell per missile. The HQ-16B is a range-extended variant of the original design.
The HQ-16C is a further modification of the B-variant, including larger control surfaces and possibly a new motor. The design is operational on Type 054A-frigates and presumably also the newer 054B.
Interestingly, official footage for the Chinese military parade skipped over the missile, leaving us with less detailed photos from the assembly.
HQ-10
HQ-10 is the short range missile defence capability of PLAN. It’s operational analogue in Western navies is the RIM-116 RAM missile. The design is in service for an extended time now on a wide range of PLAN combatants. The somewhat crude launcher mockups at the parade did not reveal new information abut this established capability.
LY-1
Such cannot be said about the LY-1 laser-based directed energy weapon. Naval News has previously reported on the existence of this design. A demonstrator is operational on a Type 071 amphibious transport dock since August last year. The Chinese military parade is the first time observers are able to get a more detailed look at the configuration. LY-1 is analoguous to various Western efforts developing an energy weapon system for “last ditch” close range air defence. The benefits of energy weapons centre on notionally unlimited magazine depth and a very low cost per shot. Both are desirable factors for warships defending against saturation attacks. Exact specifications, as usual, remain undisclosed.
LY-1 likely is a solid state laser weapon in the double digit-kilowatt range. Its presence at the parade suggests an advanced state of evaluation with PLAN. Interestingly the carrier vehicle is a bespoke design and not merely a display platform, suggesting a notional land-based application in addition to use on naval vessels.
Antiship missiles
Next in line were various all-new antiship-missile designs. These comprised the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 missile designs.
YJ-15
Based on the observed configuration YJ-15 is a new air-breathing supersonic antiship missile with a ducted ramjet-type propulsion. It is a relatively compact design, which may notionally replace older subsonic antiship missiles such as the YJ-83-series. Technical and operational details remain fully speculative. The carrier platform remains speculative. Given compact dimensions similar to YJ-83 the YJ-15 could reasonably use deck-mounted box launchers, be intended for air-launch, or both. Considering the expansion of carrier-based strike capability with the soon to be commissioned CV-18 Fujian and her new airwing there is a logical need for a new generation of antiship missile.
YJ-17
The YJ-17 appears to be a hypersonic glider vehicle mounted on top of a large first stage-booster. The design plausibly uses the UVLS on Type 052D, Type 055 and future surface combatants. Slanted deck-mounted launchers appear less likely. An interesting but entirely notional possibility is submarine launch via VLS from new nuclear powered designs such as Type 09IIIB and future types.
YJ-19
The YJ-19 appears to be a high supersonic or plausibly hypersonic missile, depending on the exact mode of propulsion. The intake design is reminiscent of the scramjet-powered American X-51 Waverider. Most interestingly, the missile body is comparably slender, suggesting the possibility of launch from 533 mm torpedo-tubes of Chinese conventionally and nuclear powered submarines. Similar to YJ-17 however the launch platform remains speculative at this stage.
YJ-20
The YJ-20 is likely the only missile in this category of parade exhibits seen before onboard PLAN combatants. Specifically, footage circulating on social media in 2022 showed a Type 055 DDG launching a strikingly similar weapon from her UVLS. The design was widely, but erroneously referred to as YJ-21. YJ-20 appears to be an ballistic or aeroballistic missile. The terminal stage may be capable of hypersonic manoeuvering against naval targets. YJ-20 is likely limited to UVLS-launch. However, similar to YJ-17, a submarine-based capability via VLS appears at least a notional possibility.
Torpedos and mines
Following surface targeting ordnance were vehicles displaying new torpedos and drones. This column started off with the AMB012 lightweight torpedo, followed by the AJC015 rocket-launched lightweight torpedo and the AQA010 heavyweight torpedo. The somewhat mysterious AQS003A torpedo-launched ordnance concluded this bracket.
AMB012 & AJC015
Two lightweight torpedos (LWT) appeared at the parade. The AMB012 is similar to Yu-7 in overall configuration. As a lightweight torpedo the design is likely serving as a replacement for existing airborne LWTs, and presumably also for relevant surface combatants using LWT deck launchers.
The AJC015 is a rocket-assisted LWT design suitable for launch from deck mounted canisters also accommodating YJ-83 series AShM, such as carried by Type 056A corvettes and Type 054A/B-frigates. The weapon matches the ET81 shown for export on various trade shows. Related PR material in the past referred to the ET-81 also as Yu-11E. Unlike the Yu-8 the AJC015/ET81 does not appear capable of VLS-launch.
AQA010
The new heavyweight torpedo (HWT) in 533 mm size is prospectively equipping relevant Chinese attack submarines, both conventional and nuclear types. As such, the design would notionally replace or complement the Yu-6 HWT in service for a number of years now. In previous years speculation on Yu-6-related variants referred to evolutions designated Yu-9 and Yu-10. The AQA010-nomenclature may relate to the Yu-10, but this remains speculative.
AQS003A
The most mysterious design in the submarine segment of the parade is the AQS003A. The configuration is an encapsulated body likely for launch from 533 mm torpedo tubes. The exact munition or vehicle carried however remains somewhat of a conundrum. Official commentary referred to the design as a torpedo tube-launched mine. Submarine launched mobile mines are very similar in appearance to torpedos, one example being the American Mk 67 SLMM. The AQS003A in contrast is a more distinct design. The configuration has some striking similarity to American efforts for torpedo tube-launched recoverable drones. Nevertheless, the parade grouped the vessel with other torpedo-designs, at least implying a similar kinetic application.
Naval drones
Naval drone designs at the Chinese military parade were led by the HSU100 uncrewed underwater vehicle. Next in line an undesignated surface drone in prominent naval camouflage followed. The third and last system shown was another uncrewed underwater drone designated the AJX002.
HSU100
The HSU100 large UUV appears to be a high endurance surveillance and intelligence collection design. Similar to the second UUV at the parade this design requires launch from a large surface vessel or directly from suitably equipped port infrastructure. The HSU100 features a prominent flank array sonar and a prominent aperture at the bow. Additionally the vessel can raise various sensor and communication masts from a hatch on top of the body.
Propulsion remains undisclosed, but includes a ducted propeller and X-form rudders at the stern. The drone is either fully battery-powered, analoguous to foreign designs such as the Anduril Ghost Shark. Alternatively the HSU100 may possess a snorkel for diesel-electric propulsion, although this is not apparent from the parade pictures.
Unnamed USV
This design with unknown designation is a compact uncrewed or optionally crewed surface vessel with signature-reduction features. The drone appears to perform mine clearing duties courtesy of a winch supporting mine countermeasure and clearing gear. The boat carries a medium calibre autocannon with electro-optical fire control on the bow for self defence. The drone uses twin waterjets for propulsion.
The overall configuration suggests shallow water and littoral application. The vessel may notionally be capable of limited antisubmarine warfare. However, mine clearing duty replacing legacy PLAN designs such as the Type 529 radio-controlled minesweeping drones is far more likely.
AJX002
The second UUV in the parade caused considerable speculation when first appearing on the roads of Beijing for the event preparation. Due to the oversized torped-shape observers immediately drew a line to Russian efforts for nuclear powered long range weapons such as Poseidon. As Naval News has previously noted, however, such comparisons are superficial, likely detracting from the real purpose of the drone.
Official commentary at the parade specified the AJX002 as a drone-based mining capability. UUV-based mining operations have attracted considerable interest in Western navies. The most notable cases are the Boeing Orca AUV and the Australian-supported Anduril Ghost Shark. AJX002 has a narrower body than the HSU100, and a different rudder-arrangement. Similar to the surveillance design however the drone uses a ducted propeller. Also like HSU100 this design requires a well-sized ship or adequate shore infrastructure for launch and recovery.
Naval aviation
The aviation segment of the Chinese military parade was dominated by four distinct designs for what observers dub the “loyal wingman” and “collaborative combat aircraft”-roles. However, from a naval perspective also relevant were a further version of the already known GJ-11 flying wing UCAV and a helicopter drone with folding rotor for shipborne operations.
GJ-11/21
The GJ-11 flying wing is a combat drone, which first appeared at the 2019 Chinese National Day Parade. The drone evolved out of the “Sharp Sword”-flying wing demonstrator that first flew in 2013. The new variant shown at the 2025 event appears to be the carrier-borne iteration. Observers refer to the design as GJ-21. In contast to the 2019 model the new drone appears to have folding wings for storage. The engine nozzle also includes further detail. Two airframes were present in Beijing, numbered 21 and 22. However, only one drone participated in the actual debate. The airframe numbers may suggest the vehicles were in fact operational aircraft, not merely mockups.
Helicopter drone
A helicopter drone represented the second UAV with a clear naval background. The unnamed VTOL design resembles the AVIC AR-2000 present at various trade shows, including Dubai in 2023. It is also broadly identical to the various VTOL mockups present near and onboard Type 075 amphibious assault vessels under construction at Hudong, in addition to the newer catapult -equipped Type 076 LHA.
Strategic capabilities
The strategic and land attack-segment of the parade included the new YJ-18C land attack cruise missile and the also new JL-3 nuclear-tipped submarine launched ballistic missile. Additionally the YJ-21 air launched ballistic missile also featured in this group.
YJ-18C
This missile shares a designation with the YJ-18A antiship missile present onboard Type 052D and Type 055 DDG, and the YJ-18B submarine launched equivalent. Unlike these YJ-18-variants the design features an entirely different body, with different control surfaces apart from the large fold out wings at mid-section. The angular YJ-18C body appears optimised for signature reduction and also includes a prominent aperture at the forward end. Grouping with the strategic systems, as designated by the ZL-serial of the carrier vehicles, suggests a long range land attack-role. Whether the YJ-18C retains the supersonic dash capability of the YJ-18, or alternatively is an entirely subsonic missile remains unclear.
The actual operating platform remains somewhat of a mystery. Based on the designation YJ-18C should have some sort of naval utility. The most obvious candidates are any UVLS-equipped warships, similar to YJ-18A. Type 055 for several years now has drawn considerable speculation over adapting a LACM capability. Additonally, similar to YJ-17 and YJ-20 a submarine VLS launched variant would seem operationally desirable. A shore-based role is another plausible possibility.
YJ-21
The YJ-21 is an air-launched ballistic missile, which appears identical to weapons previously seen carrying the designations KD-21 and 2PZD-21. Given the designation YJ-21 is a further antiship or dual role-missile. In line with previously circulated imagery, uses the H-6 series of PLAAF bombers as launch platform against naval or land-targets.
Observers previously tied the YJ-21 designation to the shipborne ballistic missile launched from a Type 055 DDG, now established to be the YJ-20. Whether the actual YJ-21 seen now will appear in a shipborne variant remains to be seen.
JL-3
The JL-3 is PLAN’s current nuclear armed submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The design, similar to predecessors JL-1 and JL-2, ensures the sea-based leg of the Chinese nuclear deterrent. The design features an estimated 10,000 km range and carries an unspecified number of MIRV-type submunitions.
US government reports have stated that the JL-3 is operational on Type 09IV-series ballistic missile submarines since at least 2022.
Airborne presentation
The flying display for the Chinese military parade included a prominent naval aviation element. The group comprised the new Y-9-based ASW aircraft and a significant carrierborne detachment including J-15, J-35 and the new KJ-600 AEWC plane. The J-35 and the KJ-600 made their official flying debut at the event. Naval News has repeatedly covered the various systems in question before. No further information has come to light as part of this event beyond first public appearances as noted.
Conclusion
In review, the 2025 Chinese military parade in Beijing illustrated continued modernisation and evolution of Chinese naval capabilities, particularly missile designs for strike and air defence. New underwater and surface drones continue to appear at parades. However, the scale of deployment for either capability remains somewhat uncertain. The overall tone in displayed capabilities appears to emphasise PLAN operational ambitions to deter American naval forces or present viable, multi-layered threats to American capability, should a conflict ensue.
Notably, despite the Ukraine-conflict drawing signifcant comment on transformational or “game-changing” capabilities, such as small drones, the parade reflects a large degree of conventional wisdom in naval applications. New missiles and combat aircraft are in part stand-ins at a land-based event for complex and expensive naval capabilities not making appearances themselves. These assets, often declared outdated in a general interest-commentariat, include aircraft carriers, nuclear powered submarines, missile destroyers and large amphibious assault vessels.
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