China is set to unveil what it claims is “the most powerful laser air defence system in the world” during a military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since World War II.

The truck-mounted laser, speculated to be a 10kW OW5-A10 capable of intercepting drone swarms, will be showcased alongside new anti-ship missiles.

The parade, attended by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, reflects China’s focus on advanced domestic military technology amid rising global defence spending, the Metro has reported.

Analysts caution that while the PLA demonstrates progress, the true capabilities of such weapons remain uncertain.