China is set to showcase a formidable array of advanced military equipment at a high-profile parade on September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. 

The event, to be held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, will be attended by President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other global dignitaries, underscoring its geopolitical significance.

Major General Wu Zeke of China’s military commission announced that the parade will feature only domestically produced, currently active battle systems, with a significant portion being publicly unveiled for the first time. Among the highlights:

- Hypersonic precision weapons designed to evade traditional missile defenses

- Strategic heavy armaments including long-range missile platforms

- Unmanned and counter-unmanned systems, reflecting the rise of autonomous warfare

- Next-generation drones, including stealthy UCAVs and “loyal wingman” models inspired by U.S. designs

The 70-minute spectacle will include aerial formations, armored columns, and synchronized troop marches, aiming to project China’s “powerful capability to prevail in modern war,” according to Wu.

The parade comes amid a 7.2% increase in China’s defense budget for 2025 and heightened strategic competition with the United States. 

Analysts view the event as both a domestic morale booster and a message to global rivals about China’s accelerating military modernization.

Security preparations are already underway in Beijing, with road closures and rehearsals involving thousands of troops. The display is expected to draw intense international scrutiny, particularly regarding China’s hypersonic and drone capabilities.