On Wednesday, China showcased new generation weapons, including fourth-generation aircraft and fighters carried on aircraft carriers, anti-drone vehicles, and advanced missiles, including hypersonic missiles, during a grand event marking 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by 26 world leaders including North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, inspected the troops and military equipment while riding in an open car.

More than 10,000 soldiers and hundreds of aircraft and military vehicles participated in the event, displaying 45 military formations representing traditional and new branches of the armed forces, including Chinese peacekeeping forces serving in UN missions.

All types of weapons and military equipment displayed in the parade were manufactured in China and are already in service with the country’s armed forces.

China’s official news agency Xinhua confirmed that “China presented for the first time its strategic land, sea, and air forces as a nuclear triad in the military parade on Victory Day Wednesday.”

Helicopters carrying large flags and fighter jets flew in formations during the 70-minute parade filled with symbolism and propaganda, culminating with the release of 80,000 doves and colorful balloons.

This is the second such parade organized by China to commemorate the victory over Japan, following the first held on the 70th anniversary in 2015.

The last major military parade in Beijing was in 2019, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Among the weapons displayed was the Type 99A tank, China’s latest main battle tank, featuring high protection, firepower, and maneuverability.

The latest air defense systems were also shown, including newly developed long-range surface-to-air missile systems to intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles; multi-role medium-range systems to counter drones and cruise missiles; and short-range vehicle-mounted systems designed to protect ground formations from close aerial threats.

For the first time, the “Jingli-1” air-to-air missiles, “Julang-3” submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles, “Dongfeng-61” land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, and “Dongfeng-31” land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles were all displayed together.