On September 3, 2025, Beijing’s Chang’an Avenue transformed into a stage of military might as China hosted its grand Victory Day Parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. Among the array of advanced weaponry showcased, the JingLei-1 (JL-1) air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) made its public debut, marking a historic milestone in the modernization of China’s nuclear arsenal. This unveiling not only completed the air-based leg of China’s strategic nuclear triad but also sent a powerful message to the world about the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) growing capabilities in deterrence and power projection. With over 12,000 troops, cutting-edge drones, and a suite of hypersonic and nuclear-capable missiles, the parade underscored China’s ambition to assert itself as a global military superpower. The JL-1, carried by the Xi’an H-6N bomber, emerged as a centerpiece of this display, raising questions about its strategic implications and technical prowess.
The JL-1: A Game-Changing Addition to China’s Nuclear Triad
The JL-1, also known as “Shocking Thunderclap” in Chinese, represents a significant leap in China’s strategic capabilities. As the first air-launched ballistic missile in the PLA’s arsenal, it completes the air-based component of China’s nuclear triad, alongside land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) like the DF-61 and DF-31BJ, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) like the JL-3. This triad—encompassing land, sea, and air-based nuclear delivery systems—positions China among an elite group of nations, including the United States, Russia, and India, with comprehensive nuclear deterrence capabilities. The public debut of the JL-1 during the 2025 Victory Day Parade, as reported by state media and global analysts, confirmed long-standing speculations about China’s development of an air-launched nuclear weapon.
The JL-1 is designed to be launched from the PLA Air Force’s Xi’an H-6N bomber, a nuclear-capable platform optimized for long-range strikes. The H-6N, which first appeared in 2019, features a modified fuselage to externally carry the JL-1, along with air-to-air refueling capabilities that extend its operational range. This combination allows the JL-1 to strike targets far beyond China’s borders, enhancing the PLA’s ability to project power and deter adversaries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. According to the Pentagon’s 2024 report on China’s military developments, the H-6N’s integration with the JL-1 provides greater flexibility and survivability compared to fixed, land-based missile systems, as air-launched systems are harder to detect and intercept.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
While detailed specifications of the JL-1 remain classified, analysts have pieced together insights from parade imagery, state media reports, and defense intelligence. The missile is believed to be a long-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile, potentially with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), though exact figures are speculative. Its design likely incorporates advanced guidance systems, enabling precision strikes against high-value targets such as military bases, naval assets, or critical infrastructure. The JL-1’s air-launched nature allows it to be deployed rapidly, bypassing the lengthy preparation times required for silo-based ICBMs like the DF-5C. This rapid-response capability enhances China’s second-strike potential, ensuring a retaliatory nuclear strike even in the face of a preemptive attack.
The JL-1’s integration with the H-6N bomber also leverages the platform’s air-to-air refueling, which could extend its operational range to over 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles). This capability places key U.S. military installations, such as those in Guam, within reach, raising concerns among Western analysts about China’s ability to target critical assets in the Indo-Pacific. The missile’s potential to carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) further amplifies its threat, allowing a single launch to strike multiple targets simultaneously. While unconfirmed, some reports suggest the JL-1 may incorporate hypersonic glide technology, similar to China’s DF-17 missile, enabling it to maneuver unpredictably and evade missile defense systems like the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).
Strategic Implications of the JL-1
The unveiling of the JL-1 at the 2025 Victory Day Parade is a strategic statement as much as a technological achievement. By showcasing the missile alongside other nuclear-capable systems like the JL-3 SLBM and the DF-61 ICBM, China signaled its intent to deter not only the United States but also regional rivals like Japan, India, and Taiwan. The parade, attended by leaders such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, was a deliberate display of military prowess aimed at challenging the U.S.-led global order. Chinese state media, including Global Times, described the JL-1 and its counterparts as “China’s strategic trump card for safeguarding national sovereignty and defending national dignity,” emphasizing their role in countering nuclear threats and potential blockades.
From a regional perspective, the JL-1’s deployment on the H-6N bomber enhances China’s ability to project power across the Indo-Pacific. The missile’s range and flexibility make it a potent tool for targeting U.S. naval assets, particularly aircraft carriers, which are central to Washington’s defense strategy in the region. Analysts like Timothy R. Heath from the RAND Corporation note that China’s focus on air-launched and hypersonic missiles is tailored to counter U.S. naval superiority, creating a “kill chain” that can rapidly neutralize high-value targets. The JL-1’s ability to be launched from unpredictable locations, combined with the H-6N’s mobility, complicates missile defense efforts, as adversaries must track multiple potential launch points.
Globally, the JL-1 strengthens China’s second-strike capability, a cornerstone of its “no first use” nuclear policy. By ensuring a survivable retaliatory force, the missile reduces the effectiveness of preemptive strikes, enhancing China’s deterrence posture. The Pentagon’s 2024 report estimates that China’s nuclear warhead stockpile has grown to over 600, with projections of exceeding 1,000 by 2030. The JL-1’s role in this expanding arsenal underscores Beijing’s commitment to closing the gap with the U.S. and Russia, which maintain significantly larger nuclear inventories. However, some analysts, such as Ankit Panda, argue that the strategic value of a nuclear triad is more symbolic than essential, reflecting China’s desire for prestige on the global stage.
The Victory Day Parade: A Showcase of Military Modernization
The 2025 Victory Day Parade, held to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, was the largest in China’s history, featuring over 12,000 troops and a diverse array of advanced weaponry. Presided over by President Xi Jinping, the event included a speech emphasizing the choice between “peace and war,” followed by a review of troops from a black limousine. The parade showcased not only the JL-1 but also other cutting-edge systems, such as the DF-5C ICBM with a reported range of 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles), the JL-3 SLBM, and hypersonic anti-ship missiles like the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20. These systems highlight China’s rapid advancements in missile technology, driven by a robust defense-industrial complex and significant state investment.
The parade also featured emerging technologies, including AI-powered drones, robotic wolves, and the AJX-002 giant submarine drone, reflecting China’s focus on “intelligentized warfare.” The inclusion of a cyberspace unit for the first time underscored Beijing’s emphasis on integrating advanced technologies into its military strategy. According to Michael Raska, a military analyst at Nanyang Technological University, China’s ability to produce a diverse range of innovative weapons marks a significant departure from its earlier reliance on foreign designs, positioning it as a leader in military technology.
Global Reactions and Geopolitical Context
The unveiling of the JL-1 and other advanced systems drew mixed reactions from the international community. Western nations, largely absent from the parade, expressed concern over China’s rapid military modernization. The U.S. Department of Defense, in its 2024 report, highlighted China’s “rapid nuclear expansion,” noting that the JL-1’s deployment enhances Beijing’s ability to project power and challenge U.S. dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The missile’s potential to target Guam, a key U.S. military hub, has heightened tensions, particularly in light of China’s territorial claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Allies like Russia and North Korea, represented by Putin and Kim Jong Un, praised the display as a symbol of solidarity among nations challenging Western hegemony. Russian media outlets emphasized the parade’s role in showcasing a multipolar world, while Chinese state media framed the JL-1 as a deterrent against “nuclear blackmail” by Western powers. However, some analysts caution that the parade’s emphasis on untested systems, including the JL-1, raises questions about their operational reliability. Mick Ryan, a retired Australian army major general, noted that while China’s weapons are advanced, their lack of combat testing—unlike Western systems used in Iraq and Ukraine—remains a potential weakness.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its impressive debut, the JL-1 faces several challenges. Its integration with the H-6N bomber, while innovative, relies on a platform that is not stealth-capable, making it potentially vulnerable to advanced air defenses. The development of China’s H-20 stealth bomber, expected to enter service in the coming years, could address this limitation, providing a more survivable platform for the JL-1. Additionally, the missile’s reliance on air-to-air refueling for extended range introduces logistical complexities, requiring robust tanker support and secure airspace.
Looking ahead, the JL-1 is likely to play a central role in China’s nuclear modernization efforts. Its deployment will require continued investment in training, infrastructure, and integration with other triad components, such as the JL-3 SLBM and DF-61 ICBM. China’s reported construction of missile silo fields in its northern deserts, potentially housing up to 320 silos, suggests a broader strategy to enhance its nuclear capabilities. The JL-1’s flexibility and rapid-response potential will complement these fixed installations, creating a layered deterrence network.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in China’s Military Ambitions
The public unveiling of the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile at the 2025 Victory Day Parade marks a pivotal moment in China’s military evolution. By completing its nuclear triad, China has solidified its status as a global nuclear power, capable of deterring adversaries and projecting force across multiple domains. The JL-1’s integration with the H-6N bomber, combined with its potential range and precision, positions it as a versatile tool for both regional and global operations. As tensions in the Indo-Pacific rise, particularly over Taiwan and the South China Sea, the JL-1 will likely remain a focal point of strategic discussions, symbolizing China’s ambition to reshape the global security landscape.
The parade’s display of advanced weaponry, from hypersonic missiles to AI-powered drones, underscores China’s rapid progress in military technology. However, questions about the JL-1’s operational readiness and the PLA’s ability to integrate it into a cohesive strategy remain. As Beijing continues to modernize its forces, the JL-1 will serve as both a deterrent and a symbol of China’s growing confidence on the world stage. For now, the “Shocking Thunderclap” has sent a clear message: China is ready to defend its interests with unprecedented strength and sophistication.
