BEIJING, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - China will showcase up to 52 types of new weapon systems at a military parade to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country's foundation, a Chinese military official said on Thursday.

According to the Global Times, Lt. Gen. Fang Fenghui, general director of the parade, said the systems include airborne early warning and control aircraft, sophisticated radar, unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite communication devices of the People's Liberation Army.

He also said the October 1 parade would involve personnel and equipment from the navy, air force and China's ballistic missile corps.

"They embody the ongoing transformation of the PLA from a labor-intensive force to technology-intensive capable of joint operations in modern warfare," Fang, who is also commander of the Beijing Military Area Command, was cited by Xinhua as saying.

He added that 56 ground and air regiments would participate in the military parade, to symbolize the 56 ethnic groups in China. Another 14 regiments — 30 in wheeled transport and 12 aerial will also take part.