China unveils new air combat drones ahead of parade

A suite of autonomous drones and other advanced weapons will be on public display as China marks a major parade.

China Reveals New Air Combat Drones Ahead of Military Parade

Satellite imagery and official channels point to a broad display of unmanned systems at Beijing named events. At least five different loyal wingman drones, plus other unmanned combat air vehicle designs and a GJ-11 style stealth airframe, are expected to feature in the parade. Some designs resemble known foreign concepts such as the FH-97 and XQ-58A, while others appear more obscure, suggesting multiple development paths within China’s CCA and UCAV programs. Alongside drones, observers anticipate hypersonic missiles and other unmanned platforms, all framed as part of a wider package of modernized capabilities for land, sea, and air operations.

Officials and satellite observers caution that many images show mockups or early-stage concepts rather than confirmed, ready-for-service weapons. The event also highlights integration with crewed aircraft and command systems, including the J-20S as a potential drone controller and the KJ-500 for airborne warning and control. Taken together, the parade signals Beijing’s intent to project a broader, more capable unmanned ecosystem while leaving open questions about what is truly operational today and what remains aspirational.

The parade reads as a high-profile chart of Beijing’s modernization path. It blends visible, public-facing hardware with ambiguous stages of development, signaling intent while inviting scrutiny over actual readiness. This kind of display is as much political theater as military planning, meant to deter rivals and reassure domestic audiences about China’s rising tech prowess.

Beyond the optics, the event underscores a shift in how the PLA plans to project power. Drones designed for land, sea, and carrier operations could extend Beijing’s reach without large increases in manned force levels. Yet the reliance on mockups and the lack of independent verification make it essential to temper conclusions about imminent capabilities. The risk is a misread by rivals and a backlash from domestic critics who may see the parade as a veiled arms race.

Highlights

Beijing will gauge how the world interprets its latest aviation milestones in the days after the parade.