China shows a number of new weapons during a huge military parade on Wednesday, in a show of strength seen as a challenge for US military dominance.
Military experts have analyzed photos and recordings on social media from several recent repetitions that have shown anti-ship missiles, groundbreaking underwater drones, anti-missile systems and more technology that could pass Pekings Tiananmen Square on September 3.
While officials have kept secret the list of hardware to be shown in front of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, many military enthusiasts have already seen significant new systems, including what is being a giant laser weapon.
The military has said that all the equipment presented is domestic and “in active service”.
‘Eagles’ to address us ships
Four new anti-ship missiles several meters long have been seen: YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20. “YJ” is an abbreviation for “Ying Ji”, which means “Eagle Attack” in Chinese.
These missiles can be launched from ships or aircraft and are designed to cause major damage to large vessels. YJ-17-, YJ-19 and YJ-20 models could be hypersonic, which means they can fly at least five times the sound speed.
“China has to develop powerful anti-ship and carriers for aircraft to prevent the United States from pending a serious threat to China’s national security,” Sang Zhongping, a military commentator and former Chinese Army Instructor, told AFPReferring to tension in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
Underwater drones
Two new, extra large torpedo -shaped unmanned underwater cars have been seen during the repetitions.
The first, the mark “AJX002”, is 18 to 20 meters (59-66 feet) long, according to the Naval News site. The other was hidden during a tarpaulin.
While China is still hanging behind the US in the surface source, according to Naval NewsIt has the world’s largest program with “extra large ucluede underwater cars” (XLUUVS) – with at least five types already in the water.
Anti-missile Shield
Still shrouded in mysticism, HQ-29 is described by some Chinese analysts such as a “satellite hunter” capable of intercepting missiles at an altitude of 500 kilometers (310 miles), outside the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as low-lane satellites.
The system is mounted on a wheeled vehicle and has two missile containers, each approx. 1.5 meters in diameter.
Its abilities could make it China’s most advanced interception system to date and one of the most powerful in the world.
The world’s ‘most powerful’ laser?
A huge rectangular vehicle in camouflage colors covered with a tarpaulin can be a defense system capable of shooting missiles and drones using a powerful laser, according to the South China Morning Post daily.
The X account “Zhao Dashuai” associated with the Chinese military claims that it is the “most powerful laser air defense system in the world”.
New nuclear weapons?
Intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear war heads, the ultimate power symbols, are expected to have prominent in the parade.
“China will show a new generation of nuclear weapons,” analytic song Zhongping told AFP.
Nuclear weapons, like the other hardware that will be shown during the parade, “will help offset the military balance of power between China and the United States,” he said.
New armored vehicles
The next generation of vehicles has been discovered in recent days, especially a new tank-lit less than type 99A main championship tank, reportedly in operation since 2011.
If this and the other equipment displayed on September 3rd are actually produced domestically and in operation, as China claims, the armed forces have “undergoing a significant upgrade to other major advanced military all over the world,” said James Char, a professor who specialized in the Chinese military at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
“However, we will not be able to assess the actual capabilities of all weapons and equipment during this ceremonial (and non-operational) setting,” he added.
