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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
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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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
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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
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