The advanced anti-drone systems on display during Wednesday's military parade in Beijing are a "sharp blade" in the terminal-phase air defense, as described by the parade soldiers, showcasing China's growing edge in modern warfare capabilities.
The grand parade, held at Beijing's Tian'anmen Square, marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Seventeen vehicles carrying five types of cutting-edge anti-drone systems rolled through the square as part of the march-past segment of the parade.
During the parade, the armament formations were organized into seven major groups -- the land combat group, maritime combat group, air defense and anti-missile operations group, information warfare group, unmanned combat group, logistics and equipment support group, and strategic strike group.
The anti-drone systems were featured in the final formation of the air defense and anti-missile operations group, highlighting their strategic importance in modern air defense.
A key highlight of the formation was the "iron triangle" -- an integrated system composed of anti-drone missile-gun platforms, high-energy laser weapons, and high-power microwave weapons.
"They are based on a modular and open architecture, organically integrating anti-drone missile-gun systems, high-energy laser weapons, high-power microwave weapons, and other equipment. By comprehensively employing combat methods such as 'missiles, guns, light, and waves', they are capable of both soft-kill jamming and hard-kill destruction. So, they are collectively known as the 'iron triangle'," said Du Tao, leader of the anti-drone formation.
The high-energy laser weapon on display has a design that resembles something out of science fiction. Featuring a large reflective mirror surface, the system harnesses concentrated beams of high-energy light to disable or destroy targets.
"This is one of the 'iron triangle' systems -- the laser weapon -- which destroys targets by emitting high-energy beams. In combat, it produces no explosion, no flash, and no recoil. The beam travels at the speed of light, arriving instantly upon firing. It is a new type of weapon capable of virtually unlimited shots," said Li Chao, a member of the anti-drone formation.
"As a grassroots platoon leader who rose from the ranks of enlisted soldiers, I've witnessed firsthand how our weapons have evolved over time in response to changing battlefield demands. I've come to deeply understand that technology plays an increasingly important role in modern warfare. The technological sophistication of our weapons and the technical proficiency of our troops constitute our core combat capability. We firmly believe that by relying on 'strengthening the military through science and technology and achieving victory through elite, well-trained forces', we will surely seize the initiative on future battlefields," Li also added.
Another key component of the "iron triangle" is the combined missile-and-gun system, a heavily armed platform with a six-barrel rotary cannon at its center and four surface-to-air missile launchers mounted on the sides.
"This is a combined missile-and-gun system, featuring fast response, intense interception firepower, high shooting accuracy, and excellent mobility. It can operate independently as a single vehicle or be integrated into a networked information system for joint air defense operations. In the diversified real-combat exercises held in recent years, it has served as a 'sharp blade' in terminal-phase defense, effectively reducing the threats from low-altitude, slow-moving, and small-sized targets. It has performed outstandingly in mission after mission, allowing us to feel our steadily enhanced capability to win modern warfare clearly," said Lyu Wei, staff officer of the anti-drone formation.
The tallest system in the formation is the high-power microwave weapon, mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility chassis. Its large panel glinted in the sunlight, symbolizing both technological prowess and strategic deterrence.
"This is another component of our 'iron triangle' system -- the high-power microwave weapon. Mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility chassis, it is capable of inflicting widespread damage on individual drones or drone swarms," said Song Boxuan, another member of the anti-drone formation.
China displays advanced anti-drone systems during V-Day military parade
