China will present a range of new weapons during a vast military parade on Wednesday, in a demonstration of force which is considered a challenge for American military domination.
Military experts analyzed the photos and images of social media of several rehearsals, which showed anti-ship missiles, advanced underwater drones, anti-missile systems and more technologies that could go through the Tiananmen square in Beijing on September 3.
While officials have kept the list of equipment to be displayed in front of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Russian Vladimir and other world leaders, many military enthusiasts have already spotted new important systems, especially what is a gigantic laser weapon.
The army said that all the equipment presented is produced at national level and “in active service”.
“Eagles” to counter American ships
Four new anti-ship missiles several meters long were seen: the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20. “YJ” is short for “Ying Ji”, which means “Aagle Attack” in Chinese.
These missiles can be launched from ships or planes and are designed to inflict critical damage to large ships. The YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 models could be hypersonic, which means that they can fly at least five times the speed of sound.
“China must develop powerful anti-ship and anti-aircraft capacities to prevent the United States from constituting a serious threat to national security in China,” said Song Zhongping, military commentator and former Chinese army instructor, said AFPReferring to tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the Southern China Sea.
Submarine drones
Two new non-pounded submarine vehicles in the shape of extra-light torpedoes were identified during rehearsals.
The first, labeled “AJX002”, measures 18 to 20 meters (59-66 feet) long, according to the Naval News website. The second was hidden under a tarpaulin.
While China is still lagging behind the United States in surface naval power, according to Naval NewsIt has the largest global program of “extra-large non-mixed submarine vehicles” (XLUUV)-with at least five types already in the water.
Anti-missile shield
Always wrapped in mystery, the HQ-29 is described by certain Chinese analysts as a “satellite hunter” capable of intercepting missiles at an altitude of 500 kilometers (310 miles), outside the earth’s atmosphere, as well as satellites in low orbit.
Mounted on a wheel vehicle, the system includes two missile containers, each about 1.5 meters in diameter.
Its capacities could make it a most advanced interception system in China to date and one of the most powerful in the world.
The most powerful laser in the world?
A huge rectangular vehicle in camouflage colors covered with a tarpaulin could be a defense system capable of slaughter missiles and drones using a powerful laser, according to the South China Morning Post.
The X “Zhao Dashuai” account, which is linked to the Chinese army, affirms that it is the “most powerful laser air defense system in the world”.
New nuclear weapons?
Intercontinental ballistic missiles, capable of transporting nuclear warheads, the ultimate symbols of power, should appear prominently in the parade.
“China will present a new generation of nuclear weapons,” said analyst Zhongping’s song AFP.
Nuclear weapons, like the other materials that will be displayed during the parade, “will help equalize the balance of military energy between China and the United States,” he said.
New armored vehicles
New generation vehicles have been spotted in recent days, including a new reservoir – slightly smaller than the main 99A battle tank, apparently in service since 2011.
If this equipment and the other displayed on September 3 are indeed produced at the national level and in service, as the Armed Forces claims, the armed forces “underwent a significant upgrade with other major advanced soldiers from around the world,” said James Char, a professor specializing in the Chinese army of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
“However, we will not be able to assess the real capacities of all weapons and equipment in this ceremonial (and non-operational) framework,” he added.
