Beijing, September 4 - China showcased a significant advancement in its military capabilities during a grand military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a large unmanned stealth fighter design, provisionally referred to as the Unmanned Air Superiority Fighter. This tailless, low-observable drone, comparable in size to China’s J-10 medium-weight fighter, represents a leap forward in the nation’s pursuit of advanced autonomous air combat systems. The drone’s sleek design, optimized for high performance and likely supersonic capabilities, underscores China’s ambition to integrate cutting-edge technology into its air force, aligning with global trends toward unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The parade, attended by President Xi Jinping and foreign leaders, served as a platform to project China’s growing military prowess and technological sophistication to the world.
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The newly unveiled drone, designated as the Type B in some reports, features a tailless configuration with a focus on low observability, a critical attribute for evading radar detection in modern warfare. Its design includes serrated engine nozzles to reduce radar signatures in certain bands, though the exposed round nozzle suggests a trade-off between stealth, performance, and affordability. This mirrors design choices seen in other stealth platforms, such as China’s GJ-11 Sharp Sword, which underwent refinements to enhance its low-observable features. The Type B drone also incorporates fairings similar to those on China’s J-20 and J-35 stealth jets, hinting at its intended role in fighter-style missions. Alongside the Type B, a slightly smaller Type A drone was displayed, characterized by a lambda-type wing and caret-style engine intakes, further demonstrating China’s diverse approach to developing UCAVs. These drones are likely intended for roles beyond traditional combat, including collaborative operations with manned aircraft, such as the J-20S, which can serve as a command platform for unmanned systems.
The parade provided a glimpse into China’s broader strategy to modernize its military, with a clear emphasis on unmanned and autonomous technologies. The Type B drone’s size and complexity suggest it is not designed for mass production like smaller collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) but rather as a high-performance UCAV capable of independent operations. Its development aligns with China’s sixth-generation fighter program, which emphasizes advanced stealth, extended-range weapons, and integration with a networked “system of systems” approach. This approach, also pursued by the United States, involves real-time data linking between air and ground assets, leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced situational awareness. The Type B’s potential for supersonic flight and its advanced flight control systems, necessary for its tailless design, indicate a focus on agility and survivability in contested environments. The display of such technology at the parade signals China’s intent to challenge Western air superiority, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
China’s unveiling of the Type B and Type A drones reflects a strategic shift from producing derivative military technologies to pioneering innovative systems. The parade also featured other advanced weaponry, including the GJ-11 stealth drone, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, and laser-based systems, underscoring the nation’s comprehensive military modernization efforts. While the Type B drone may still be in the prototype or mock-up stage, its public debut suggests it is either flyable or close to operational status, following the precedent of the GJ-11, which transitioned from a parade mock-up to a functional platform. This development trajectory highlights China’s rapid progress in aerospace technology and its commitment to integrating unmanned systems into its military doctrine. As global powers race to define the future of air combat, China’s advancements in stealth UCAVs position it as a formidable competitor, with implications for regional and global security dynamics.