China's New Combat Aircraft Unveiled Before September Parade

New Unmanned Combat Aircraft on Display for Upcoming Parade

A new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) may be making its debut in China’s upcoming Victory Day parade on September 3, 2025. The first unofficial image of this aircraft has been captured on the back of a truck, preparing for the event. The grainy footage shows the UCAV alongside a rotary-wing unmanned aircraft and a Wing Loong-type drone. This suggests that the PLA is actively showcasing its latest developments in unmanned aerial technology.

The design of this new CCA appears to be linked to the FH-97 and FH-97A, which have been featured in scale models since 2022 at various exhibitions. These models have shown the FH-97 dropping munitions from internal bays, indicating that it may serve as a basis for the new CCA. Analysts believe that this new aircraft could potentially fly alongside the J-20 stealth fighter, marking a significant advancement in China's military aviation capabilities.

Design Comparisons and Speculations

Compared to the FH-97, the new unnamed CCA exhibits some differences. It features a thicker and shorter nose cone, suggesting a different design approach. The aircraft also appears to have a larger internal volume, making it "fatter" than the FH-97 or the YFQ-42A. However, the angle and lighting in the image might obscure any prominent chine line it could have.

Despite these differences, the new CCA shares similarities with the FH-97, including a top-mounted engine and a cranked-kite-type wing reminiscent of the MQ-20 Avenger UCAV. The canted vertical stabilizers are another shared feature. However, the exhaust configuration remains unclear due to the low-resolution image.

FH-97 and FH-97A: A Controversial History

The FH-97A, which last appeared online in November 2024, had side-mounted intakes and a chin-mounted EOTS (Electro-Optical Tracking System), similar to the J-20. This was different from earlier FH-97A scale models seen at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2022, which had the EOTS mounted on top and different munitions. Some analysts, like Andreas Rupprecht, have questioned whether the original FH-97 was ever built and flown, suggesting it might have been just an airshow model.

If clearer images emerge before the parade, they will provide more insight into how much the new CCA resembles the FH-97 or any other unmanned CCA that the designation might imply. For now, the project serves as inspiration for the CCA we see here, which is likely to translate into a flying example if it hasn't already.

Other Unmanned Systems and Developments

Rick Joe, another leading Chinese military analyst, shared images of several new unmanned systems on display trucks, possibly part of a dedicated UAV contingent in the parade. He noted that the PLA has been working quietly on CCAs and UCAVs specializing in air-to-air combat, with the FH-97 and its FH-97A variant being just a small part of the broader effort.

J-20 Stealth Fighter Advancements

The J-20 has made significant progress, with the newer J-20A transitioning to the homegrown fifth-generation WS-15 supercruise-capable engine. This replaces the Russian Saturn AL-31 and Chinese WS-10 turbofans. The twin-seat J-20S broke cover in August 2022 and may have entered active service, given images circulating in early July. The paint schemes, markings, and tail numbers suggest a transition from prototype testing to operational units.

As the first fifth-generation stealth fighter with a dual-seat variant, the J-20S is well-suited for controlling collaborative UCAVs. It also offers advanced electronic warfare, target acquisition, and networking functions. Interestingly, the GJ-11 Sharp Sword was depicted on CCTV as the J-20's loyal wingman, though recent developments suggest this pairing may not be as viable.

Future Unmanned Systems and Capabilities

Other Chinese UCAVs, such as the massive CH-7, have been seen during taxi trials. Reports from Global Times indicated that the CH-7 has completed testing and is poised for operational service. Whether it will appear in the September parade remains to be seen.

The GJ-11, which first appeared in the October 2019 parade, has already made its flying debut. This indicates that the CCA on the truck is likely to be acquired and may soon be seen flying overhead.

China has also flown a third next-generation jet, following the J-36 and J-XDS. Even if some developments are seen as propaganda, the rapid introduction of new manned and unmanned systems makes it difficult to dismiss them as mere political statements.