China sparks global speculation with mystery military vehicles and sea monster aircraft
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 12, 2025, 01:37 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives, TOIGLOBAL )
In anticipation of the September 3rd military parade, Beijing is witnessing the movement of concealed armored vehicles, sparking speculation about new military technology. Simultaneously, China has reportedly tested a massive ekranoplan in the South China Sea. These developments, coupled with confirmed displays of unmanned systems and intelligent weaponry, signal China's growing military capabilities and ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region.
As Beijing prepares for a massive military parade set for September 3, mysterious armored vehicles have been spotted moving through the city under heavy concealment. At the same time, China has reportedly tested a massive ekranoplan in the South China Sea, signaling a bold push to showcase cutting-edge military advancements and assert dominance across multiple domains.
The sightings come just weeks ahead of the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in World War II. Footage of large, box-shaped vehicles moving in convoy through Beijing’s city center surfaced briefly on Chinese social media before being swiftly removed. The vehicles were heavily shrouded in dark blue coverings with no visible features other than markings labeling them as “Road Inspection Vehicles”—a label many analysts believe to be a deliberate misdirection.
Military observers suspect these vehicles could be next-generation armored systems, possibly upgraded variants of the 99A main battle tank, which is reportedly being modernized with hybrid propulsion, quieter mobility, and the potential to integrate directed energy weapons. Analysts note that China often unveils new military technology at parades, using the events to send a message about its growing capabilities to both domestic and international audiences.
Adding to the intrigue, state media confirmed the recent testing of a sea-skimming ekranoplan—an unconventional, wing-in-ground effect aircraft capable of flying just above the surface of the water. Nicknamed the “Bohai Sea Monster,” the vehicle is modeled after the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era Caspian Sea Monster. The craft is engineered for rapid troop deployments and amphibious assault operations at speeds exceeding 300 mph. Its potential applications in the South China Sea, where China continues to expand its naval presence, are raising alarms among regional military strategists.
The timing of both the Beijing vehicle sightings and the ekranoplan test suggests a coordinated lead-up to the September 3 military display. Wu Zeke, a senior officer with the Central Military Commission, confirmed that the parade will feature new combat capabilities, including unmanned systems and intelligent weaponry. Past events have introduced stealth drones, hypersonic missiles, and next-generation aircraft.
This year’s display is expected to be one of China’s most extensive in recent years, with President Xi Jinping presiding over the ceremony and global dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, expected in attendance. Sources indicate the parade will also spotlight China’s advances in drone warfare, joint operations, and indigenous defense technology.
As speculation intensifies, the combination of secrecy and high-profile testing has captured the attention of defense experts worldwide. With tensions rising in the Asia-Pacific region, China's synchronized land and maritime developments appear designed to demonstrate its expanding military footprint—and to remind the world of its technological ambitions.
The sightings come just weeks ahead of the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in World War II. Footage of large, box-shaped vehicles moving in convoy through Beijing’s city center surfaced briefly on Chinese social media before being swiftly removed. The vehicles were heavily shrouded in dark blue coverings with no visible features other than markings labeling them as “Road Inspection Vehicles”—a label many analysts believe to be a deliberate misdirection.
Military observers suspect these vehicles could be next-generation armored systems, possibly upgraded variants of the 99A main battle tank, which is reportedly being modernized with hybrid propulsion, quieter mobility, and the potential to integrate directed energy weapons. Analysts note that China often unveils new military technology at parades, using the events to send a message about its growing capabilities to both domestic and international audiences.
Adding to the intrigue, state media confirmed the recent testing of a sea-skimming ekranoplan—an unconventional, wing-in-ground effect aircraft capable of flying just above the surface of the water. Nicknamed the “Bohai Sea Monster,” the vehicle is modeled after the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era Caspian Sea Monster. The craft is engineered for rapid troop deployments and amphibious assault operations at speeds exceeding 300 mph. Its potential applications in the South China Sea, where China continues to expand its naval presence, are raising alarms among regional military strategists.
The timing of both the Beijing vehicle sightings and the ekranoplan test suggests a coordinated lead-up to the September 3 military display. Wu Zeke, a senior officer with the Central Military Commission, confirmed that the parade will feature new combat capabilities, including unmanned systems and intelligent weaponry. Past events have introduced stealth drones, hypersonic missiles, and next-generation aircraft.
This year’s display is expected to be one of China’s most extensive in recent years, with President Xi Jinping presiding over the ceremony and global dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, expected in attendance. Sources indicate the parade will also spotlight China’s advances in drone warfare, joint operations, and indigenous defense technology.
As speculation intensifies, the combination of secrecy and high-profile testing has captured the attention of defense experts worldwide. With tensions rising in the Asia-Pacific region, China's synchronized land and maritime developments appear designed to demonstrate its expanding military footprint—and to remind the world of its technological ambitions.