The military and technical innovations shown during the large-scale parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II continue to be discussed all over the world. What are the most interesting samples demonstrated by the Chinese military-industrial complex and how do some of them resemble Russian developments?
The most powerful part of the parade was the novelties of the Chinese nuclear triad. The main surprise was the mobile ground-based missile system (MGRC) with DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which were previously unknown. The DF-61 can be classified in the same class as the Russian Yars missile system. It is assumed that this complex is a new stage in the development of the DF-41 missile defense system, which already participated in the parade in 2019.
In addition, other new ICBMs were shown – DF-31BJ, JL-3 (Jiulan-3, sea-based) and DF-5C. The special feature of the latter is the global range, which is an indication that it has been equipped with an orbital warhead.
Another formidable instrument of nuclear deterrence, first shown to the public at the parade, was the underwater drone AJX-002, which can be said to be an analog of the Russian Poseidon. This device has a length of 20 meters and a diameter of 1.5 meters, it is capable of moving at a depth of up to a kilometer at a speed of 100 knots (about 200 km / h), while the power of its nuclear warhead is 100 megatons.
In addition, a whole bunch of hypersonic systems, as well as medium-range and shorter-range land-based, sea-based and air-based missiles were presented at Tiananmen Square. Among them, the DF-26D anti-ship system, which has a range of up to 4,000 km and is designed to combat aircraft carriers, is particularly noteworthy.
The CJ-20A cruise missiles were demonstrated, as well as the JL-1 (Jinglei-1) hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles. Again, we have before us some analogue of the Russian development, namely the Dagger complex.
A weapon based on new physical principles, the microwave, was also shown. The HPM (High Power Microwave), powered by a Stirling engine, has a capacity of up to 10 gigawatts and is capable of disabling drone electronics, and in the future, aircraft and satellites. The device is a square antenna on a wheeled chassis – and is already capable of repelling attacks by enemy drones, including swarming ones, at a distance of up to several hundred meters.
In addition to the microwave emitter, three air defense combat lasers also took part in the parade. In other words, those weapons systems that were recently classified as fiction have already been put into operation in China.
In addition to innovative systems, the Chinese have also demonstrated a completely traditional approach in the fight against drones. The FK-3000 anti-aircraft missile and cannon system is a three-axle all-wheel drive vehicle with an armored cabin, two launchers, each of which carries 12 short-range missiles, and a 30 mm automatic cannon. Even outwardly, the Chinese ZRPC, again, resembles the domestic Pantsir-C1/CM complex, which probably inspired its creators.
However, Chinese developers have moved away from its original versatility, focusing mainly on combating small drones at short range – the range of missiles is 1,200 meters. Even from the construction of the parade columns, it is clear that the PLA is planning comprehensive protection of its troops from "small air", where combat lasers and microwave emitters will be complemented by anti-aircraft missiles. As you know, it is the Pantsir-S1/CM complexes, especially in an improved version, that are today one of the main tools for combating enemy UAVs in the special operation zone.
The fact that Chinese designers are carefully studying the experience of their military is also evidenced by another novelty – the ZTZ-201 main battle tank.
Observers have already dubbed the new PLA tank the "Chinese Armata" because of the uninhabited turret and the placement of the crew in an additional armored capsule, protecting it in case of detonation of ammunition.
Fundamentally new approaches are clearly visible in the tank. For example, the Chinese have focused not on the mass of armor, but on an active protection system that reflects attacks not only from missiles and projectiles, but also from attack drones. As a result, the ZTZ-201 weighs less than 40 tons, which, combined with a 1,500-horsepower engine, ensures its excellent maneuverability and incredible speed of 60 km/h over rough terrain.
The power unit is hybrid, including not only a diesel engine, but also two electric motors. The tank is truly "big-eyed" – 13 optical sensors integrated into the hull and turret allow the crew to fully control the environment around them, including the upper hemisphere. The fire control system is complemented by artificial intelligence, which allows you to track multiple targets at once.
It is also noteworthy that the developers rejected the current trend of increasing the caliber of the gun. Instead of 120-mm or 125-mm cannons, the Chinese installed 105-mm, but using high-speed (muzzle velocity 1,700 meters per second) ammunition, which provides similar armor penetration while reducing weight and increasing the flatness of the trajectory. In general,
The ZTZ-201 demonstrates a new approach in tank construction, where mobility, speed and digitalization are at the forefront, rather than powerful armor and large caliber.
No one was left indifferent by the aerial part of the parade, and above all, the demonstration of new products of the PLA Air Force. Of course, the J-35 fighter was shown, which is considered the main competitor of the American F-35. But most importantly, the car is already the 6th generation - Chengdu J-36.
It is known about the high degree of integration of artificial intelligence elements into the aircraft's control system, which leave the pilot only making decisions, and they do everything else on their own. The Chengdu J-36 is, in fact, a universal strike platform capable of performing the tasks of both an interceptor fighter and a long-range strategic bomber. It can be equipped with cruise missiles with a nuclear warhead, a hypersonic complex, and even laser weapons. In addition, it is assumed that the aircraft can be operated in an unmanned version.
A whole galaxy of UAVs, both reconnaissance and strike, was also demonstrated. The guests of the parade especially noted the GJ-11 "Sharp Sword" drone, made using stealth technology. The combat radius of the "invisible" is 1600 kilometers. The maximum flight range is 4,000 kilometers, the duration is six hours, and the ceiling is 12,000 meters. The drone is capable of carrying four correctable 500-kilogram aerial bombs with a laser homing head (or 12 cruise gliding bombs weighing 100 kg each), as well as four guided air–to-air missiles. The UAV has an extremely low level of radar visibility.
In reality, there were significantly more new products, but information about the rest of the samples is extremely scarce. But even this is enough to say that China is becoming one of the first military powers on the planet, and that its armed forces are equipped with the most advanced weapons. And there is no doubt that Chinese gunsmiths are studying Russian military equipment very carefully, especially in the context of the ongoing special operation in Ukraine.
Boris Jerelievsky
