China's Military Tech Just Leveled Up Hypersonic Missiles & Drone Subs?!

China's Military Parade Unveils Hypersonic Missiles, Drone Submarines, and ICBMs

Beijing marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a meticulously orchestrated military parade, showcasing not only its military might but also offering a glimpse into its rapidly advancing arsenal. The parade, reviewed by President Xi Jinping, featured soldiers marching in perfect synchronicity and a flyover of helicopters forming symbolic numbers. However, beyond the spectacle, the event served as a platform to unveil China's latest military hardware, reflecting its ambitious modernization program.

The stated goal of this modernization, according to official parade announcements, is to create a force "with both nuclear and conventional capabilities able to deter wars in all battle spaces." Let's delve into some of the key highlights from this impressive display:

New Nuclear Capabilities on Display

While China's nuclear arsenal remains smaller than those of the United States and Russia, its expansion is undeniable. A recent U.S. Department of Defense report estimates that China possesses over 600 warheads and projects this number to exceed 1,000 by 2030. The parade prominently featured missiles capable of delivering these warheads across air, sea, and land.

Xinhua News Agency highlighted the significance of the display, stating that it was the first time the military's "triad of strategic nuclear forces was presented in a concentrated fashion," labeling it "China's strategic trump card for safeguarding national sovereignty and defending national dignity."

Key highlights include:

• DF-61 ICBM: A new intercontinental ballistic missile launched from a mobile platform. While specific details are limited, its predecessor boasts a range exceeding 12,000 kilometers and the capacity to carry multiple warheads.
• DF-5C: The latest variant of the silo-based DF-5, with an estimated range of 20,000 kilometers.
• JL-1 and JL-3: Air-launched and sea-launched long-range missiles, respectively, both with nuclear capabilities.

Meia Nouwens, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasizes the underlying message: "All of that, of course, goes back to this key point about deterrence and the messaging that the PLA (People's Liberation Army) and Xi Jinping are seeking to send to the U.S. and other partners and allies in the region and further afield."

Advancements in Conventional Missiles

The parade also showcased new missiles designed to target ships, a development likely to attract significant attention from the U.S., given the crucial role of its naval power in the Asia-Pacific defense strategy.

Considering China's stance on Taiwan, these anti-ship missiles are particularly noteworthy. In the event of a conflict, these missiles could potentially be used to deter or delay U.S. naval intervention.

New anti-ship missiles unveiled include:

• YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20: All capable of operating at long ranges and at hypersonic speeds, making interception challenging.
• HQ-16C and HQ10A: Missiles designed to intercept incoming anti-ship missiles.
• J-35: The aircraft-carrier version of the J-35 stealth multirole fighter.

Nouwens further clarifies, "These are capabilities that are increasingly meant to signal to the United States they should think twice about entering into a conflict, if there ever is one, in support of Taiwan."

Drones Take Center Stage – Above and Below

The parade featured seven types of reconnaissance and attack aerial drones, some of which appeared to be entirely new. Additionally, a small surface drone ship and carrier-based uncrewed helicopters were presented.

Perhaps even more intriguing were the submarine drones: the HSU001 and the debuting AJX002. Xinhua News Agency described them as "cutting-edge surprise weapons for naval combat" designed for "covert deployment and blockade, autonomous detection and identification, and swarm-networked attacks."

A Shift Towards Self-Reliance

Mick Ryan, a retired Australian army major general and analyst at the Lowy Institute, notes the significance of China's domestic production capabilities: "Long gone are the days where China was reliant on Russia or other foreign systems. This level of indigenous capacity infers high levels of sustainability in any future conflict."

However, Ryan also adds a crucial caveat: "While most Western military equipment has been tested in Iraq, Ukraine and elsewhere, none of China’s new kit has." This lack of real-world combat experience raises questions about the true effectiveness of these advanced systems.

In conclusion, China's military parade served as a powerful statement, underscoring its commitment to military modernization and technological advancement. The unveiling of new hypersonic missiles, drone submarines, and ICBMs highlights China's growing capabilities and its ambition to project power on a global scale. While the effectiveness of these systems remains to be tested, their presence undeniably reshapes the strategic landscape.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/china-military-parade-weapons-missiles-drones-submarine-efd398d9b3198bb63b505151162312cf