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I'm revisiting several elements of the military parade that are of particular interest to me, including the formation that displayed a variety of unmanned systems. 
There are three unmanned operations formations displayed in the parade, and each fangdui includes several different unmanned systems.
I don't think we can't infer all that much from the structure, since as we saw with the parade that marked the PLA's 90th anniversary, these are ceremonial, not representing actual units and may mix together elements of various units and/or services.
By way of comparison, here was our analysis of the 2017 parade that marked the PLA's 90th anniversary for @ChinaBriefJT, which also included unmanned systems, then the ASN-209 and ASN-301. jamestown.org/program/the-pl…
@ChinaBriefJT From 2017 to 2019, the phrasing/placement has changed from UAV formation (无人机方队) to several unmanned operations formations (无人作战方队). While ceremonial, that shift may reflect the increase emphasis on the role that unmanned weapons systems can play in combat.
@ChinaBriefJT I'll start with the caveat that I am not very visual or observant, and I'm quite tired, so please forgive me if I misidentify any of these. I'll come back and double-check when I'm more caffeinated. But here's what I'm initially noticing...
@ChinaBriefJT The first formation includes the DR-8, which is believed to be employed for reconnaissance and battle damage assessments for the DF-21D "carrier killer" ballistic missile.
@ChinaBriefJT DR-8 is already in service with the PLARF, but these are the first clear images of it I've seen. There has been speculation it may have been inspired/informed by the U.S. D-21. scmp.com/news/china/mil…
@ChinaBriefJT This UAV is smaller and more tactical, perhaps from the ASN series, which are deployed across multiple services. I'll have to check that because I mix these up sometimes honestly. I believe it's used primarily for reconnaissance and/or electronic interference.
@ChinaBriefJT This second formation includes the GJ-2 or Attack(攻击)-2, which has been deployed to the PLA Air Force for 'integrated reconnaissance and strike,' with an array of weapons. It's predecessor was the GJ-1 or Pterodactyl, and it's been exported as the Wing Loong and Wing Loong 2.
@ChinaBriefJT Here's a side view of the 'Sharp Sword' stealth drone, which is expected to be deployed off of China's aircraft carrier. It's been the subject of much speculation for awhile, so it's great to see more images of it.
@ChinaBriefJT In the third formation, it starts with another UAV that is rather nondescript, again of the kind typically employed for ISR and/or ECM. I'll have to take a closer look for any features that are more distinct later.
@ChinaBriefJT And last but not least, this UUV is a notable manifestation of the PLA's embrace of unmanned systems for naval warfare.
@ChinaBriefJT Will its role involve primarily undersea reconnaissance, and/or might we see similar systems also take on a role in enabling and supporting offensive operations in the not-so-distant future?
