August 3rd, 2025 - Inside China’s New Missiles, Drones, and Submarine Arsenal

At its military parade on Wednesday, China put on a striking display of its latest weapons, including hypersonic missiles capable of sinking ships, drones designed to act as loyal wingmen, and nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States. Jets streaked across the sky while columns of missiles and armored vehicles rolled past Tiananmen Square, giving a rare glimpse of China’s growing arsenal.

The parade, presided over by President Xi Jinping, served as a clear message to potential adversaries. Anti-ship missiles seemed aimed at deterring U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific, while long-range rocket launchers highlighted the threat to Taiwan. Air-droppable armored vehicles demonstrated China’s ability to project power quickly, defending its interests both regionally and abroad. Analysts noted a clear focus on unmanned systems, signaling a belief that drones and remote-controlled technologies could provide a battlefield advantage.

Four new anti-ship missiles stood out, three of them hypersonic, traveling at least five times the speed of sound while maneuvering to evade defenses. Among them, the YJ-19 cruise missile uses a “scramjet” engine, allowing supersonic fuel combustion and an unpredictable flight path. Experts say these missiles could complicate defense strategies for U.S. warships, though it remains unclear how many are operational or ready for deployment.

China also highlighted new ground capabilities. Armored vehicles that can be air-dropped, equipped with periscope-like viewers, were showcased alongside remote-controlled buggies capable of clearing mines or transporting injured soldiers. These systems enhance rapid deployment for light infantry, offering both firepower and protection, though cost and maintenance remain significant concerns.

Unmanned and underwater technologies featured prominently. China revealed submersible drones, including a 60-foot torpedo-shaped vessel and another with communication masts, hinting at ambitions beneath the waves. Aerial drones and trucks carrying jet-sized unmanned aircraft signaled a plan to pair piloted jets with AI-enabled drones for surveillance, attack, and missile defense, reflecting significant investment in next-generation warfare.

Air and strategic nuclear forces were also displayed. Nuclear-capable missiles, including the DF-31BJ and submarine-launched systems, suggested China’s ongoing expansion of its intercontinental strike capabilities. The appearance of these missiles, along with new silo fields in northern deserts, reinforced U.S. assessments of China’s growing nuclear force, even though precise numbers remain undisclosed.

Overall, the parade illustrated China’s commitment to modernizing its military across multiple domains—land, sea, air, unmanned systems, and nuclear forces. While some of the showcased equipment may not yet be operational, the display conveyed both technological advancement and strategic intent, emphasizing China’s readiness to compete with other global powers in the years ahead.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Trivial (adj, TRIV-ee-ul) - Something described as trivial is of little worth or importance.

Example: Although her parents initially dismissed her love of pop music as a trivial matter, it became clear as she applied to colleges with strong popular music programs that much of her life was going to be dedicated to it.

Image credit: Unsplash