• China publicly displayed its complete nuclear triad for the first time during a military parade.
• The showcased weapons included land, sea, and air-launched nuclear missiles.
• Analysts point to the parade as a marker of China's growing military capabilities.
• The event commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II.
• China's nuclear arsenal is expanding rapidly, with projections of more than 1,000 warheads by 2030.

In a landmark display on the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, China unveiled its complete nuclear triad, showcasing its capacity for land, sea, and air-launched nuclear capabilities. The parade featured advanced missiles including the Dongfeng-61 (DF-61), Dongfeng-31BJ, and the JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) among others, marking the first time these systems have been publicly displayed together, according to Reuters and TRT Global.

The highlights of the parade included the JingLei-1 air-launched ballistic missile, which formally gives the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) a nuclear role, indicating a significant development in China's strategic military capabilities. The state media emphasized that these weapons serve as a “strategic ace” for safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, according to Business Insider and South China Morning Post.

The DF-61 is believed to be one of China's latest land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), while the DF-31BJ is an upgraded version of older models. The DR-5C, a silo-launched missile, appears to be among the most prominent displays during the parade. Analysts suggest that this exhibition highlights China's ongoing rapid expansion of its nuclear capabilities, as estimates now suggest that China has around 600 nuclear warheads, with projections indicating it could exceed 1,000 by 2030, according to Reuters, TRT Global, and Business Insider.

In addition to missiles, the parade showcased the latest in drone technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to act as "loyal wingmen" for fighter jets. The presence of advanced drones was noted as a significant step towards enhancing China's military capabilities, aligning with global military trends. Unmanned systems can complement traditional forces and enhance operational efficiency amid modern combat scenarios, as reported by South China Morning Post and Business Insider.