On 3 September 2025, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory over Imperial Japan during WW-II by organizing a large scale military parade. This impressive parade showcased large number of cutting-edge military systems in all domains of warfare. While China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has historically emphasized mass and manpower, the parade revealed a transformation toward high-tech, networked, and unmanned capabilities. Among the most striking features of the ground display were China’s new-generation armored vehicles, artillery systems, and unmanned platforms, which together highlighted Beijing’s aspiration to field a modern, highly mobile, and versatile land force.
The parade opened with an impressive formation of helicopters, making number “80” in air to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China victory over Japan. The Z-20, a 10-ton medium helicopter, inspired from U.S. UH-60 Blackhawk, was spotted flying leading the formation of rotary wing aircrafts. Complementing Z-20s were the Z-10 attack helicopters, Z-19 light-attack helicopter, and Z-8 transport helicopters. Z-20 has matured into a reliable platform and its numerous versions are operational in its armed forces. Currently, beside the base version, it has been configured into specialized versions to conduct assault (Z-20T), search & rescue (Z-20S), naval utility (Z-20J), and anti-submarine warfare (Z-20F) operations. Similarly, Z-10M attack helicopter presence, although not new, was also important as it is currently China’s only dedicated attack helicopter. Although lighter and less armored than its American counterparts like AH-64E Gladiator and AH-1Z Viper, the Z-10 integrates modern sensors, precision-guided munitions and even drones, making it a formidable battlefield asset.
Z-20 and Z-8 Helicopters in formation at China’s 80th Victory Day Parade
The ground formations comprised of main battle tanks (MBTs), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), armored personnel carriers (APCs), self-propelled artillery (SPA), multiple rocket launch system (MRLS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and other support systems.
ZTZ-99B MBT, which is modified version of the long-serving third generation ZTZ-99A MBT led the armored formation. These tanks are equipped with 125mm smooth-bore gun, protected by modular armor, weighing more than 55 tons, and are powered by 1500HP engine, making them front line combatant of PLA. These heavy tanks were joined by futuristic ZTZ-100 medium tanks which weigh around 45 tons and are believed to be armed with 105mm main-gun. This fourth generation tank possesses unmanned turret, reinforced crew-compartment, hard-kill active protection system (APS), remote control weapon (RCW) station, 360 degree sensor coverage, and a hybrid diesel-electric power plant which significantly improve its mobility while reducing noise and heat signature. In parallel, PLA also showcased its next generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) based on similar hull as ZTZ-100. Called Type-100 FSV, this vehicle is believed to be protected by similar APS and situation awareness suite, and is powered by similar power-plant. Besides turret mounted auto-cannon, Type-100 FSV also carries drone-compartment at its rare, which can launch variety of recon and suicide drones, thus enhancing situation awareness and offensive potential by significant margin. Interestingly, the crew of all armored vehicles was shown wearing AR (augmented reality) goggles which can display real-time data and all-around view through the vehicle, significantly enhancing the situation awareness of the crew. AR goggles work in conjunction with external cameras installed on turret and hull for 360 degree visibility, thus granting near-decisive edge in armored warfare.
ZTZ-99B, ZTZ-100, and Type 100 FSV at China’s 80th Victory Day Parade
After columns of tracked vehicles, wheeled formations were showcased. ZTL-11 mobile assault platform, armed with 105mm gun, were followed by ZBL-08 APC which can carry 11 fully-geared troops. PLL-09 SPAs, equipped with 122mm gun, were also part of formation. These military vehicles share common chassis, can navigate through water, and are meant for rapid amphibious operation by deploying infantry at forward position under the cover of organic direct and indirect fire support. The presence of such military vehicles showcase China’s continued focus on littoral and amphibious operations, directly relevant to Taiwan contingencies.
ZTL-11 FSV, ZBL-08 APC, and PLL-09 SPA at China’s 80th Victory Day Parade
Another striking revelation of armored formation was new vehicles for airborne assault forces, which have traditionally been lightly equipped. The PLA introduced three distinct airborne armored vehicles: an APC equipped with APS and RWS; an IFV featuring APS, unmanned turret, auto-cannon, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs); and vehicle-based mortar meant for indirect fire support for air-borne forces. By diversifying its airborne platforms, China is clearly investing in airborne mechanization, replacing the aging ZBD-03 with a triad of vehicles that enable airborne units to operate independently with their own direct and indirect fire support systems.
Air Borne APC, IFV, and Mortar Carriage during China’s 80th Victory Day Parade
After armored units, rocket and missile artillery contingent consisting of PHL-191 platform was showcased. PHL-191 MRLS can fire eight 370mm guided rockets with a range of up to 300 km, covering nearly all of Taiwan from the mainland. In other configuration, same system can be modified to carry two 750mm short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) in canisters with range exceeding 500 km. The versatility of the PHL-191 makes it rocket artillery as well as missile system, effectively blurring the line between army and rocket force assets. This development is particularly significant as it suggests a doctrinal shift, where the PLA Army—not just the PLA Rocket Force—assumes responsibility for short-range ballistic fire missions, ensuring saturated strike near its borders.
PHL-191 MLRS with 300mm Rockets and 7500mm SRBM modules at China’s 80th Victory Day Parade
The column of UGVs carried by the trucks also made special cameo in the parade. Armed UGV equipped with machine-gun and ATGM pods and based on tracked (ZRY222 UCGV) as well as an eight-wheeled platform (ZRZ100 UCGV) were demonstrated for the first time. These compact armed drones can be used in varying terrains to provide direct fire support in congested environments which are beyond the operational capacity of heavy armored vehicles. Tracked mine-clearing drone, particularly when operating in formations, can clear mines from wide area while reducing risks to human operators. Similarly, six-wheeled logistical drones (CWB221 UGV) paired with a quad-copter and robotic-wolves, were also presented. While quad-copter importance for being a versatile platform is well-known, drone logistical vehicles have also emerged as potent platforms for sustaining supply lines to and from battlefront. The robotic wolves (RoboWolf) are also interesting development. These 70kg four-legged drones can be equipped with various types of mission modules and thus can be used for reconnaissance, direct fire-power, and logistical supply while transferring through tough terrains. These systems highlight China’s growing inclination to adopt joint human-machine operations. While many may still be prototypes, their parade appearance indicates the PLA is serious about transitioning from conventional mechanization to intelligentized warfare.
Various Types of UGVs displayed during China’s 80th Victory Day Parade
Although China does not face any major land based threat from its neighbors, but still it has invested heavily in land-based systems. From advanced tanks and IFVs to modular artillery and unmanned ground systems, the PLA Army is reshaping itself from a mass-based force to a modern technology driven military, capable of rapid deployment, precision firepower, integrated situation awareness, and versatile logistical support. These measures are intended to better prepare contingencies along disputed borders, particularly with India, and secure a bigger share in arms export market. Although PLA is not at the front-foot in China’s competition for power politics, but it does possess formidable capability to safeguard its terrestrial boundaries against wide range of threats.
