China’s latest military parade in Beijing has once again underscored the nation’s rapid advances in unmanned aviation, missile defense, and next-generation fighter development. While such events are always a show of force and political messaging, the systems unveiled this year — including the HQ-29 anti-ballistic missile system, new stealth combat drones, and advanced fighters like the J-36 and J-XDS — mark significant technological milestones.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), emphasized that the key American takeaway is clear: “We are not deterred.” However, the demonstration reflects China’s growing ability to shape the Indo-Pacific battlespace through an integrated approach of anti-access/area denial (A2/AD), long-range strike, and unmanned systems.
The HQ-29: China’s Anti-Ballistic and Anti-Satellite Weapon
The HQ-29 system was one of the parade’s centerpieces. Designed as a dual-role platform, it provides mid-course ballistic missile interception and potential anti-satellite (ASAT) capability.
- Mobility: Mounted on a large TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher), allowing rapid deployment.
- Interception range: Estimated effective engagement above 500 km, targeting both ballistic missiles and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
- Design: Large-diameter interceptor missiles, two per launcher, optimized for exo-atmospheric engagement.
This system reflects China’s ambition to deny U.S. freedom of operation not only in the air domain but also in space — threatening reconnaissance, communication, and navigation satellites.
The Rise of China’s Combat Drones
China continues to invest heavily in uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs). The GJ-11 Sharp Sword, a stealth flying wing UCAV, made a prominent appearance.
- Stealth design: Flying-wing configuration reduces radar signature.
- Operational roles: Precision strike, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and potential carrier-based operations.
- Development path: Ongoing work on naval variants for carrier operations and long-endurance missions.
Additionally, mockups of two new stealth combat drones were revealed, mirroring the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This highlights a trend: both nations are racing to integrate manned-unmanned teaming into future air combat.
Next-Generation Fighters and Airpower Expansion
China is not slowing down in crewed combat aviation either. Several projects were highlighted:
- J-36 and J-XDS (J-50): Sixth-generation fighter concepts unveiled in late 2024.
- Two-seat J-20 variant: Potentially optimized for controlling UCAV swarms in combat.
- J-35: A stealth carrier-based fighter aimed at rivaling the U.S. F-35C.
- New AEW&C aircraft: Based on the Y-20 airlifter, providing airborne battle management.
These platforms signal a shift toward a multi-layered force structure combining stealth fighters, UCAVs, and long-range sensing — directly challenging U.S. and allied dominance in the Pacific.
U.S. Perspective: Deterrence and Resilience
Gen. Schneider outlined the American response framework, built on deterrence through capability, willingness, and messaging.
Key U.S. initiatives include:
- B-21 Raider stealth bomber and sixth-generation F-47 fighter development.
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones to augment manned fighters.
- Agile Combat Employment (ACE) to disperse forces across multiple bases, complicating PLA targeting.
- Base defense resilience: early detection, rapid sortie generation, and runway repair capabilities.
Schneider stressed that while China’s growth is undeniable, the U.S. maintains technological and operational superiority, particularly in stealth platforms, C2 networks, and integrated operations.
Strategic Implications
The systems on display highlight China’s maturing A2/AD ecosystem:
- HQ-29 bolsters defense against ballistic missiles and potentially denies U.S. satellite advantages.
- GJ-11 and other UCAVs expand offensive reach while complicating adversary air defenses.
- Next-generation fighters, when paired with UCAV swarms, could overwhelm traditional force structures.
For the U.S. and allies, the challenge is clear: maintaining dominance will require rapid innovation, resilient basing, and decisive counter-UAS and counter-space capabilities.
Conclusion
While the U.S. projects confidence in its technological edge, China’s latest parade demonstrates a clear trajectory: the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is positioning itself as a peer competitor in missile defense, unmanned systems, and sixth-generation airpower. This accelerates the strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, where control of the skies — and space above — will define the outcome of future conflicts.
