DefenseChina’s Military Parade Showcases Advanced Aircraft but Keeps Sixth-Generation Fighters Hidden
China marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a large-scale military parade in Beijing on September 3, presenting an impressive display of manned and unmanned aircraft. Yet, notably absent from the event were the rumored sixth-generation fighter prototypes known as the “J-36” and “J-50.”
These stealth aircraft have appeared in images shared on Chinese social media since late 2024 and have been seen frequently, along with other unknown models.
While stealth fighters like the Chengdu J-20 and J-35 in both land-based and naval (carrier-capable) variants flew in formation, the spotlight on the ground turned to a wide variety of truck-borne Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
These included stealth reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions, and larger UAVs resembling high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) designs. Some of the systems appear to be configured for electronic warfare and precision strike missions, underscoring the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) expanding emphasis on unmanned warfare.
In the air, the parade featured KJ-500A airborne early warning aircraft, Y-20 transport variants, YY-20A refueling tankers, and upgraded H-6 bombers. The formations also included escorts of J-16 fighters and trainer aircraft like the JL-10. Together, the aerial segment signaled both operational maturity and modernized force structure.
By combining a strong manned aviation component with a growing ecosystem of UAVs, China seeks to project a future-ready military posture. However, the lack of any sixth-generation demonstrators suggests that these projects remain in early testing stages, far from public unveiling.
The display of UAVs on trucks highlighted Beijing’s desire to present them not as experimental prototypes, but as integral systems ready for field deployment.
With their growing role in modern conflicts, the variety and quantity of drones displayed in Beijing demonstrate that Xi Jinping’s government plans not only to expand the military’s capabilities but also to become a major exporter of advanced weapons.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
