China is preparing a large-scale military parade in Beijing on 3 September 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, with authorities indicating that new high-tech weaponry will be shown publicly.

A second comprehensive night-time rehearsal in Tian’anmen Square concluded on 17–18 August, involving about 40,000 personnel including participants and on-site support staff, according to the event’s media centre.

Satellite imagery of the PLA’s Yangfang staging area northwest of Beijing, taken 11 June, depicts multiple uncrewed aircraft on transporters, including flying-wing types and several designs consistent with so-called “loyal wingman” or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts. Separate online clips show a tailless aircraft flying in formation with a Y-8/9 turboprop. The images and clips do not identify the models, and their operational status has not been disclosed.

The FH-97 programme—developed by Aerospace Times Feihong Technology under the Ninth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)—was first displayed at Airshow China in 2021. An updated FH-97A variant was exhibited in 2022. Public materials describe the family as intended to team with crewed fighters for reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strike roles; detailed specifications have not been officially released.

Related displays have shown integration with FH-901/CH-901 loitering munitions, which have been presented alongside the FH-97 at defence exhibitions.

China has previously paraded advanced uncrewed systems, including the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” flying-wing UCAV, which appeared in the 2019 National Day parade.

Beyond China, CCA-type development is advancing internationally. In March 2025, the U.S. Air Force designated its first two CCA prototypes YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A under programmes led by General Atomics and Anduril, respectively; ground testing began in May 2025.

In June 2025, Australia conducted a demonstration in which two MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones and a third digital aircraft were controlled from an E-7A Wedgetail to prosecute an airborne target, as part of ongoing manned-unmanned teaming trials.

As of 20 August 2025, Chinese authorities have not officially identified which uncrewed aircraft will appear in the 3 September parade or confirmed any induction of a loyal-wingman-class drone into active service.