China V-Day Parade

On 3 September 2025, China celebrated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a major military parade. Officially titled the 'Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War', the event showcased China’s latest military hardware in a 125-aircraft aerial display.

The parade took place along Chang’an Avenue and Tiananmen Square, with President Xi Jinping inspecting the troops, Premier Li Qiang serving as master of ceremonies, and General Han Shengyan acting as parade commander. More than 12.000 troops participated.

Contrary to some media claims, the objective was not to highlight sheer numbers - it was by no means the largest parade ever held - but rather to demonstrate indigenous designs and technological innovations.

Several aircraft types made their public debut. Notable among them were the new J-35 fighter (in both air force and navy variants, bearing some resemblance to the F-35), the J-15DT and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft of the J-11/Su-27 lineage, the KJ-600 (E-2 look-alike) and Y-9FQ early warning aircraft, the J-20(III) air dominance fighter in its latest iteration, the YY-20 tanker variant of the Y-20 transport, and the armed Z-20T helicopter.