China is gearing up to reveal what it claims is the world’s most powerful laser air defence system during a high-profile military parade in Beijing on Tuesday.
The event, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, is drawing global attention not just for its historical significance but for the cutting-edge technology on display.
World leaders expected at the parade include Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Meanwhile, Western military analysts are watching closely, eager to gauge whether China’s new hardware represents genuine innovation or is more style than substance.
Rehearsals Hint at New Capabilities
Footage from parade rehearsals showed the new laser system mounted on an eight-wheeled truck, hidden under a green tarpaulin.
Rob Peters, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, told The Telegraph that observers should remain cautious.
“When China shows new exquisite technologies… we should be a little bit cautious that they’ve got the best stuff or know how to use it,” he said.
Other new military hardware spotted includes four anti-ship missiles from the so-called “eagle attack” class, reportedly capable of targeting British or American warships.
The display signals China’s growing ambitions in modern military technology.
PLA Technology in Global Conflicts
Chinese weaponry is no longer just a showpiece—it is being actively deployed in conflicts worldwide.
Chinese-made drones have been used with devastating effect on both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Earlier this year, Pakistan employed a Chinese J-10 fighter jet and PL-15 missile to down an Indian Air Force plane, marking one of the first instances of PLA technology neutralizing Western-manufactured aircraft.
This rising presence of Chinese military technology has put air defence systems at the forefront of Western military planning.
Traditional platforms that rely on costly surface-to-air missiles may soon face competition from more flexible and cost-effective alternatives.
Lasers as the Future of Air Defence
Laser-based systems, while expensive to develop, offer the potential for an “infinite magazine,” allowing them to target drones for as little as £10 per shot.
As the battlefield becomes increasingly saturated with unmanned aerial vehicles, lasers could redefine the cost and strategy of air defence—making them a key point of focus for military analysts worldwide.
The upcoming parade in Beijing will not only commemorate a historic milestone but may also serve as a glimpse into the future of global military technology.
