China’s latest air defence systems, unveiled at the 2025 Victory Day Parade, mark a pivotal shift in the country’s military strategy, demonstrating a concerted effort to create a multi-layered, integrated defence network capable of countering a wide array of modern aerial threats. The parade showcased six advanced systems, including three newly revealed interceptors—the HQ-20, HQ-22A, and HQ-29—alongside previously introduced systems like the HQ-11, HQ-9C, and HQ-19. This layered approach underscores China’s commitment to enhancing its ability to neutralise everything from conventional aircraft to stealth drones and hypersonic weapons.
The HQ-29, a ballistic missile interceptor, stands out for its capability to engage targets even beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, a feature that positions it as a direct competitor to the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. Meanwhile, the HQ-9C, an upgraded version of an existing air defence missile, boasts enhanced radar, extended range, and a slimmer missile design that allows for increased firepower per launcher. These advancements are part of a broader strategy to fortify China’s air defence against high-speed threats, including hypersonic glide missiles.
A key innovation in China’s latest air defence systems is the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced radar technology. Drones play a crucial role in surveillance and rapid threat response, while also feeding critical data to missile units, thereby enhancing the system’s overall speed and reliability. The PLA has also developed specialised anti-drone weapons, such as the Type 625-E, a vehicle-mounted 25mm autocannon inspired by Ukraine’s mobile drone-fighting tactics, and the FK-3000, a 6×6 vehicle equipped with both surface-to-air missiles and a 30mm gun turret.
Hypersonic interceptor technology represents another breakthrough in China’s air defence modernisation. As adversaries, including the U.S. and Russia, accelerate their hypersonic missile development, China has responded by creating weapons designed to detect, track, and neutralise threats moving at extreme speeds. The CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missile, unveiled during the parade, exemplifies this capability, with state media reporting its ability to strike distant targets with precision and evade enemy defences.
The integration of these systems into a cohesive air defence network is a defining feature of China’s latest advancements. This network connects drones, radars, and missiles, ensuring seamless coordination and making it increasingly difficult for enemy aircraft or missiles to penetrate Chinese airspace. The PLA’s investment in advanced radar technology, including gallium nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and networked radar systems, further strengthens this capability. These systems are supported by airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft like the KJ-500A and KJ-600, which extend the PLA’s sensor network and improve battlefield coordination.
China’s air defence strategy is not purely defensive. It includes robust offensive and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities designed to target and neutralise enemy air systems. The J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, for instance, can disrupt enemy radar and communications, while hypersonic missiles like the DF-17 are intended to degrade adversary air defences. These capabilities are part of a broader Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategy, which aims to deter and counter foreign intervention in the Indo-Pacific region.
The integration of space-based support further enhances China’s air defence capabilities. The country’s extensive network of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) satellites, coupled with advanced AI technology, enables real-time tracking of aircraft and other potential threats. These satellites complement ground-based radar networks, providing long-range detection and extending the time available for response.
The strategic implications of these advancements are profound. By bolstering its air defence capabilities, China is not only enhancing its own security but also reshaping the power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. The PLA’s coordinated defence efforts demonstrate a serious commitment to protecting Chinese airspace and projecting military strength. As China continues to refine its air defence systems, the region—and the world—can expect further developments in this critical area of military technology.