BEIJING - Missile launchers on display in China's Sept 3 military parade have fired live ammunition during military training and drills, according to a military source.

The missile launchers are in the No 1 Formation of strategic ballistic missiles from the Second Artillery Force of the People's Liberation Army.

"All of the launchers in my formation have participated in many drills," said Hu Zhugen, political commissar of the formation.

Some of the vehicles have just returned from exercises in Gobi desert and plateau regions. Some will immediately set out for new launching sites after the V-day parade.

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World War II, the Victory Day military parade will include 11 foot formations, 27 armament formations, ten aircraft formations and two veteran teams.

More than 500 pieces of China's latest equipment will be on display, most of which have not been seen by the public before.