China to show off its high-tech weapons at its Victory Parade. Here is what we can expect

China will flex its military muscle at its politically charged Victory Parade military event on Wednesday, where the country will showcase its defence technology to the world. 

The annual event marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II, and will be held in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. China’s President Xi Jinping will attend, as well as several other world leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin. 

More than 10,000 military personnel are expected to walk the parade, but all eyes will be on the country’s defence tech as electronic and hypersonic warfare gains ground.

Here is what we might see at the event. 

The ‘loyal wingman’ drone

Leaked photos of the Victory Parade drills showed the stealth attack drone known as a “loyal wingman,” the South China Morning Post reported.  

The FH-97 is a single-engine, ground-attack uncrewed drone. It has been called China’s first combat-ready stealth drone and it would also be the first in the world.

It is capable of coordinated attacks alongside crewed jets and can carry out reconnaissance attacks and electronic jamming. 

Other drones could be on show, including unmanned underwater drones that would give China vast surveillance capabilities. 

Hypersonic weapons

China has made no secret of its hypersonic weapons, an advanced missile model that travels at several thousand kilometres per hour. 

In 2019, China introduced its hypersonic weapon, the DF-17 missile, for the first time. It was unveiled during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic in 2019.

China is reportedly now developing a new generation of advanced mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). 

One of the main models, the DF-31AG, has an estimated range of more than 11,000 kilometres and is said to be capable of hitting any target in the continental United States. 

Another is the DF-41, said to have a range of between 12,000 to 15,000 kilometres. 

However, China has kept fairly quiet about its hypersonic weapons since 2019, so it is unclear if any will be on show.

Anti-ship missiles

China’s naval power has been growing, with the country seeking to establish itself as a dominant force. 

The country reportedly had 12 nuclear and 48 diesel-powered submarines as of 2024, which include a Type-96 next-generation ballistic missile submarine.

A similar new nuclear-powered attack submarine may be in development. 

Some of the most anticipated weapons are anti-ship missiles that can neutralise aircraft carriers and large naval units.