Overview

• China publicly displayed a complete nuclear triad for the first time, parading the DF-61 and DF-5C ICBMs alongside the JL-3 submarine-launched missile and the air-launched JL-1.
• Hypersonic and anti-ship weapons featured prominently, including YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 missiles, plus the DF-26D variant described as a “Guam killer” capable of striking U.S. bases and carrier groups.
• A surge of autonomous systems—loyal wingman drones, unmanned surface craft and extra-large underwater vehicles such as AJX-002 and HSU100—highlighted moves toward distributed, machine-led operations.
• China rolled out directed-energy and counter-UAS capabilities, showing the LY-1 shipborne laser and an anti-drone mix of missile-gun trucks, high-energy lasers and high-power microwave weapons.
• Analysts tied the showcase to Taiwan contingencies, pointing to new carrier aircraft (J-35, J-15DT) and a lighter Type 100 tank, as U.S. estimates place China’s nuclear stockpile above 600 warheads and rising toward 1,000 by 2030.