China is set to showcase what it calls “the most powerful laser air defence system in the world” during a major military parade in Beijing tomorrow.
The event, marking 80 years since the end of World War II, is expected to draw global attention as world leaders gather, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Rehearsals in the Chinese capital already revealed the system mounted on an eight-wheeled truck, concealed beneath a green tarpaulin.
Once unveiled, the weapon is expected to highlight Beijing’s latest push in military technology.
According to reports, the system could be the OW5-A10, a truck-mounted 10kw laser designed to intercept drone swarms.
A Chinese military-linked social media account described it as “the world’s most powerful laser air defence system.”
Rob Peters, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said Western experts would watch closely.
“Whenever [China] shows new exquisite technologies … we should be a little bit cautious that they have got the best stuff or they know how to use it,” he explained.
In addition to the laser defence system, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is also expected to unveil four new anti-ship missiles from the “eagle attack” class.
Officials stressed that all equipment on display is domestically made and already in active service.
Military experts point out that these parades often serve as a window into Beijing’s strategic priorities.
For instance, missiles capable of reaching the US mainland dominated the 2015 event, while drones were the main focus in 2019 with the introduction of the GJ-11 attack drone.
Song Zhongping, a Chinese military commentator and former PLA instructor, said the emphasis on new technology is linked to security concerns.
“China must develop powerful anti-ship and anti-aircraft carrier capabilities to prevent the US from posing a serious threat to China’s national security,” he told AFP.
