Air echelons flew over Tian'anmen Square during the V-Day parade in Beijing on Wednesday, showcasing a range of aircraft for early warning and reconnaissance, long-range strike, aerospace control operation, strategic delivery and logistical support.

The early-warning formation featured a KJ-500A escorted by J-16 fighter jets, and a KJ-600 accompanied by carrier-based J-15T fighters.

Strategic bombers that flew over included the H-6N and H-6K and H-6J, which are part of the People's Liberation Army's long-range strike force.

China's advanced fighter jets – the J-16D, J-20, J-35A, J-20S and J-20A – flew over Tian'anmen Square in two V-shaped formations, as did carrier-based fighters the J-15DH, J-15DT, J-35 and J-15T.

(Cover: Air echelons fly over Tian'anmen Square during the V-Day parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025. /VCG)