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SCMP China Series

China’s weapons systems

Almost a decade has passed since the People’s Liberation Army pulled the trigger on President Xi Jinping’s plans for a massive overhaul of the world’s biggest military. In this series, we examine all things related to China’s missile programme.

Updated: 17 Nov, 2025
China’s weapons systems
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[1]

The J-35 Gyrfalcon will be key to China’s power projection on the high seas

The PLA’s second stealth warplane, touted as the military’s answer to the American F-35, made its debut this week.

14 Nov, 2024
The J-35A made its debut at this week’s Zhuhai air show. Photo: CCTV
[2]

Why the Mighty Dragon is a symbol of China’s military modernisation

Stealth fighter jet is seen as China’s answer to the American F-22.

13 Nov, 2024
The Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jet entered military service in September 2017. Photo: PLA Air Force
[3]

China’s DF-41: deadly missile could be game-changer in nuclear deterrence

Last month’s launch of Beijing’s deadliest intercontinental ballistic missile outside Chinese airspace puts spotlight on its fast-growing nuclear arsenal.

15 Oct, 2024
China’s PLA Rocket Force launches an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead from an undisclosed location. Photo: AFP
[4]

Home-grown aircraft carrier Fujian will be the tip of China’s blue-water spear

The PLA Navy’s third and most advanced carrier is expected to project Beijing’s presence well beyond Chinese shores.

02 Feb, 2025
China’s third aircraft carrier the Fujian leaves the Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard on May 1, 2024 for its first navigation test. Photo: Xinhua
[5]

Type 094 nuclear submarine is China’s ‘King of the South China Sea’

Jin-class strategic submarine could threaten US territory from the contested waterway, but its flaw may make it easy to track.

10 Feb, 2025
The US and its allies closely monitor China’s Type 094 Jin-class submarines, which have been observed conducting “near-continuous” patrols in the contested South China Sea. Photo: Reuters
[6]

Meet the Type 055 – multi-role destroyers steering China’s blue-water navy goals

Eight of the stealth vessels are already in service and more are on the way.

26 Feb, 2025
Officially classified as a guided-missile destroyer, China’s Type 055 is bigger and more powerful than a standard destroyer. Photo: CCTV
[7]

China’s rival to US’ THAAD: a missile that can counter hypersonic weapons

The anti-ballistic missile system can intercept threats beyond the atmosphere and is seen as a more competent rival to the US Army’s THAAD.

19 Mar, 2025
The HQ-19’s launcher vehicle, an eight-wheel drive high-mobility truck, is mounted with six interceptor missiles. Photo: Handout
[8]

China’s PL-15 missiles face first combat test in Kashmir conflict

Pakistan’s use of the air-to-air missiles against India has broader implications for regional security, global arms market and Taiwan.

16 May, 2025
The PL-15 missile is seen as a cornerstone of China’s growing ability to contest air superiority. Photo: Handout
[9]

Meet China’s first home-grown carrier, the Shandong, bridge to a blue-water future

The PLA Navy’s second carrier has become an instrument of Beijing’s long-range power projection past the first island chain.

03 Jul, 2025
The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong on Thursday at the start of its first visit to Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang
[10]

China’s Type 076 Sichuan is a next-level amphibious assault ship

PLA’s next-generation warship will boast fighter and drone strike power with an advanced electromagnetic catapult launch system.

17 Jul, 2025
China’s first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, is seen in a Shanghai shipyard last December. The flat-top vessel will serve as a fleet command centre that will enable drones, helicopters, fighters and landing craft to approach an adversary’s coast. Photo: Xinhua
[11]

How China’s Type 815A spy ships are keeping PLA Navy informed and ready

Fleet armed with stealth tech and missile trackers has been shadowing foreign navies and drills in the region, forcing evasive tactics.

30 Jul, 2025
The Yuhengxing (hull number 798) and the Kaiyangxing (hull number 796) are among the PLA Navy’s Type 815A vessels making their presence felt in regional waters. Photo: Handout
[12]

What do we know about China’s most advanced early warning plane, the KJ-3000?

The few images that have been released so far suggest it could boost significantly the PLA’s ability to strike targets from a long range.

05 Aug, 2025
Footage of the KJ-3000, and its radar dome, have been circulating online. Photo: Handout
[13]

China’s Wing Loong-2 is a UAV workhorse with an overseas advantage

Backbone of the PLA’s drone programme offers proven combat capabilities and a cost-effective modular platform for export markets.

12 Aug, 2025
The WL-2 has been acquired by several international buyers and deployed in multiple combat theatres, establishing it as one of China’s most commercially successful military drone exports. Photo: AFP
[14]

China’s Type 99A main battle tank sets benchmark for capability, survivability

Cornerstone of PLA ground operations is high-altitude specialist that may have prominent role in parade commemorating end of World War II.

19 Aug, 2025
The Chinese Type 99A is the most modern main battle tank in service in the People’s Liberation Army, with a further upgrade in the works. Photo: Handout
[15]

The Chinese multiple rocket launcher poised to match the US’ Himars system

Modular design allows it to fire rockets of different calibres with various firing ranges, making it flexible in engaging various targets.

21 Aug, 2025
The PHL-16 is a truck-mounted self-propelled multiple rocket launcher that incorporates modular design and long-range precision strike capabilities. Photo: Handout
[16]

Why China’s DF-31 missiles are still effective deterrents, decades after debut

Not the newest or most powerful, the ICBMs can still reach the US mainland and provide the PLA with a credible nuclear counterstrike force.

23 Aug, 2025
A DF-31AG missile, the type of intercontinental ballistic missile the PLA Rocket Force test launched in September 2024. Photo: Handout
[17]

How China’s GJ-11 UAV is poised for crucial roles in intelligent warfare

After leading Beijing’s Victory Day military parade, world’s first ship-based stealth combat drone hints at new era for carrier operations.

22 Sep, 2025
A GJ-11 stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle appears at China’s Victory Day parade in Beijing on September 3. The aircraft could be the world’s first and only operational ship-based stealth combat drone. Photo: AP
[18]

How China’s DF-5C nuclear ICBM became a counterforce weapon for global strike

While the American Minuteman III has undergone upgrades, the DF-5C represents a more recent technological evolution.

27 Sep, 2025
The PLA’s DF-5C nuclear missiles are displayed during a military parade in Beijing on September 3. Photo: Reuters
[19]

QBZ-191 assault rifle allows Chinese small arms to gain tactical and export edge

191 series shows PLA is catching up with global trends to match world-class combat rifles like the US M4, Belgian SCAR and the German HK416.

13 Oct, 2025
The PLA’s QBZ-191 assault rifle reflects China’s commitment to boosting combat effectiveness to meet the demands of future conflicts. Photo: Weibo/深海猎人Enterprise-CVN80
[20]

Why China’s J-16 Hidden Dragon makes headlines despite rise of more advanced jets

An encounter in which a J-16 reportedly chased off two foreign fighters highlights its role in the PLA’s ‘door-kicking combination’.

27 Oct, 2025
There were more than 350 J-16s in service last year. Photo: Xinhua
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[21]

How China’s HQ-29 mid-course missile interceptor stacks up against its US rivals

The HQ-29 has been compared to the American sea-based SM-3 and the silo-based Ground-Based Interceptor.

17 Nov, 2025
Military vehicles transport the PLA’s new HQ-29 anti-aircraft missiles during China’s Victory Day parade, in Beijing on September 3. Photo: China News Service via Getty Images
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