China to Show New Missile Systems at Parade
On September 3, a military parade will be held in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II. The People's Liberation Army of China is preparing for this event with all its might and conducting the necessary training. It is already known that a large mechanized column will take part in the parade, which will include a number of new missile systems.
In parade formation
The PLA is actively preparing for the upcoming parade and conducting the necessary training. A few days ago, the first such event took place directly in Beijing. The parade participants, as well as various military equipment and weapons, were seen on the streets of the city.
Following the first rehearsal in the capital, a lot of photos and videos appeared on Chinese social networks showing this or that military hardware. At the same time, several previously unknown samples of different classes were captured on camera. Due to the round date, the PLA plans to show promising missile systems, UAVs, etc.
Presumably, YJ-15 anti-ship missile. Photo Xcom / RickJoe_PLA
Of particular interest are the new missile weapons. The parade will feature self-propelled launchers or transport vehicles with missiles of various types. In some of the published photographs, the missiles are hidden by covers, while other pictures show the products without camouflage. They can be examined, and the markings can be read.
The PLA is expected to display missiles of all major classes, both known and completely new, at the parade. The mechanized column will include systems of various purposes, from military Defense to strategic ballistic missiles. However, the exact composition of the parade crews is still unknown, as are all the types of missiles planned for display.
Anti-ship family
In the past, the Yingji anti-ship missiles have been repeatedly demonstrated at parades. This year, the first official demonstration of four new products of this line will take place. Casual witnesses have already been able to see the new missiles, both under covers and in the open.
Hypersonic missiles "Inzi-17". Photo Xcom / RickJoe_PLA
The four new missiles differ significantly from each other in appearance and design. Noticeable differences in tactical and technical characteristics should also be expected. At the same time, they are all demonstrated on identical carrier vehicles. Apparently, these are not standard launchers, but platforms for demonstrating weapons.
The YJ-15 missile has an elongated shape and characteristic side elements on the body. Apparently, it is equipped with a ramjet engine with several side air intakes. This indicates a high supersonic flight speed. The appearance of the nose fairing hints at the presence of radar guidance.
The Yingzi-17 is a missile with a hypersonic combat stage. Its acceleration is carried out using a solid-fuel engine, made in the form of a detachable stage. The flight is carried out due to the accumulated kinetic energy. Other design features cannot be determined yet.
YJ-19 products. Photo Xcom / RickJoe_PLA
The YJ-19 is a supersonic or hypersonic missile. Its warhead stage is equipped with a slanted nose fairing, under which is located the air intake of the ramjet. The launch and initial acceleration are provided by a separate solid-fuel engine.
Of all the products presented, only the YJ-20 has a traditional missile appearance. It is apparently a two-stage rocket with solid-fuel engines. The purpose of such a product, the launch method and approximate characteristics are still unknown.
Strategic purpose
The parade will feature already known and possibly future strategic weapons. It is not yet clear which missiles will be carried through Beijing, but various assumptions have already been made. Some of them are of interest.
For example, a multi-axle transporter with a large transport and launch container on board was spotted in the parade column. The TLC was covered with a cover of the appropriate size. Judging by the dimensions and outlines, it was a Dongfeng-31 missile system or another similar development. The absence of some units suggests that what was being demonstrated was not a full-fledged launcher, but a loading vehicle for silo-based missiles.
YJ-20 missiles. Photo by Xcom / RickJoe_PLA
Other models of a specific appearance, probably related to the Strategic Missile Forces, also took part in the training. For example, under one of the covers there was a missile with an elongated and thin warhead. It can be assumed that this is another complex with a hypersonic combat stage - the already known DF-17 or a completely new one.
Ballistic missiles are not the only type of missile that can be used to hit distant targets of great importance. China is also developing cruise missiles for similar purposes, including those with the ability to be launched from land. A new model of this class was also seen during the parade training. This missile has an elongated fuselage with a polygonal cross-section and a narrow straight wing.
Defense systems
The PLA pays great attention to the development of air defense of all classes, and this is reflected in the composition of the parade columns. This year, all modern anti-aircraft systems will be shown again, as well as several new developments. It is assumed that these SAMs have already been trained in Beijing.
Presumably a DF-31 ballistic missile on a transporter-loader. Photo X.com / dex_eve
There is an interesting video showing the passage of several combat vehicles of unclear purpose along the highway. The column included self-propelled launchers with guides or containers of limited size, as well as equipment with large-sized ammunition. At the same time, the most interesting elements of the combat vehicles were hidden by covers.
Apparently, it was a column of modern air defense and missile defense systems. It included several models of the Hongqi family of systems. Perhaps this year, the latest HQ-26 and HQ-29 products will be officially shown at the parade for the first time.
Development Results
The military-industrial complex of China is engaged in the development of weapons and military equipment of all major classes. Various models, including various missile systems, regularly appear, undergo testing and enter service. The results of such work are demonstrated at specialized exhibitions and military parades.
New Land-Based Cruise Missile. Photo by The War Zone
The upcoming parade, scheduled for September 3, is of particular importance. Therefore, a whole range of new products of all classes are being prepared for it. The first official demonstration of new anti-ship, anti-aircraft and other missile systems is expected. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that some new models have not yet been involved in training, and they will be shown later.
However, one should not expect much from the parade. At this event, new equipment will be demonstrated, its designations will be named, and its belonging to a particular class will be indicated. Perhaps, the main characteristics will be noted. More detailed information is not disclosed at such events.
All the details and characteristics of the new missiles may be announced during future specialized exhibitions. The nearest such events are expected this fall, and the Chinese industry will use the opportunity to show its products again. Probably, all the new products of the September parade and previously unknown products will be shown.
In the meantime, the attention of foreign specialists is focused on the upcoming parade. Thanks to the round date, all the most modern models of weapons and equipment are going to be shown there, and some will be demonstrated for the first time. Such a parade is of particular interest.
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