Chinas September 3 parade in Tiananmen Square offered one of the clearest public looks at the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) next-generation modernization priorities. Leading the ground display was the new Type 100 family of combat vehiclesmedium tanks and support vehicles sharing a common chassisthat appear to embody a shift toward lighter, sensor-rich, and digitally networked platforms. Reports suggest the Type 100 uses a hybrid-electric propulsion system coupling a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine with batteries and twin electric motors. This approach provides near-silent movement, reduces infrared signature, and hints at a broader doctrine focused on mobility and stealth rather than just mass and armor. Rather than relying solely on heavier armor, the Type 100 integrates reactive armor with the GL6 active protection system, including rooftop hard-kill interceptors to defeat incoming projectiles and possibly loitering munitions. This indicates PLA designers are studying battlefield lessons from Ukraine, where vehicle survivability against drones and precision fires has become paramount. The combat support variant carries a 30 mm unmanned turret and a three-person crew equipped with augmented-reality visors that deliver 360-degree awareness and vehicle data. Each vehicle also carries a reconnaissance drone, with speculation that operators may control unmanned ground vehicles from within the platform. Airborne forces contributed their own debutants: a trio of tracked vehicles optimized for rapid deployment, including an infantry fighting vehicle, a multipurpose transport, and a 120 mm gun/mortar carrier. These can be air-dropped from Y-20 transports, offering the PLA Airborne Corps more options for deep-strike and rapid reaction operations. Complementing the armor were two types of PCL-191 modular rocket launchersone with eight 300 mm guided rockets rated to 350 km, and another with two tactical missiles estimated to reach up to 750 km. Their appearance underscored Chinas emphasis on long-range precision fires that could hold key targets, including those across the Taiwan Strait, at risk. Counter-drone capabilities were a centerpiece of the parade. The PLA fielded five distinct systems designed to create a multi-layered defensive shield: the FK-3000 truck-mounted launcher with mini-missiles, the Type 625 armored vehicle with a 25 mm Gatling gun and short-range missiles, and a trio of directed-energy platforms including 10 kW and 50 kW OW5-series lasers plus a high-power microwave truck aimed at disabling drone swarms. Naval displays featured the LY-1 shipborne laser demonstrator, adding a terminal defense layer against airborne threats. Unmanned systems were not limited to ground and air. The PLAN highlighted two extra-large unmanned underwater vehiclesthe HSU100 with retractable ISR sensors and the AJX002 with a cleaner, stealth-focused profilesuggesting maturing undersea autonomy. The parade also featured unmanned surface vessels for mine warfare, quadruped robots for logistics and casualty evacuation, and a family of loyal-wingman style collaborative combat aircraft, reinforcing the message that autonomy is being integrated across every domain.