China possesses new weapons that can detect US aircraft?

China has a new type of military aircraft that can detect US fighter jets approaching its airspace, experts say.

Clayton Swope, deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project and a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Newsweek that there are reports that the Chinese military's new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft — called the KJ-3000 — can detect stealth aircraft.

A man walks in front of a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft of Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation (China)

The ability to detect stealth aircraft could give China a significant advantage and could complicate the ability of the United States to project air power across the Western Pacific , Mr. Swope added.

The KJ-3000 is based on the Y-20B transport aircraft. In December, photos of its maiden flight went viral on social media.

According to military aviation website The Aviationist , the KJ-3000 serves as the “eyes and ears” of the air, designed to detect aircraft and cruise missiles and provide comprehensive information about the scene in real time. The KJ-3000 is expected to have a dome containing a radar antenna, providing 360-degree coverage.

In its 2024 report on China's military power, the Pentagon said China operates three types of AEW&C aircraft, the KJ-200, KJ-500, and KJ-2000. These devices enhance the ability to detect, track, and target threats in a variety of conditions, in large numbers, and at greater distances.

A Chinese KJ-200 surveillance aircraft

Kitsch Liao at the Atlantic Council told Newsweek that the KJ-3000 could extend China's air force's power projection capabilities beyond the first island chain.

Equipped with advanced radar and sensors and longer flight time, the KJ-3000 is superior to previous generations and allows China to track enemy equipment at long distances, said David Cenciotti, editor of The Aviationist . Mr. Cenciotti assessed that the development of modern AEW&C aircraft, advanced missiles and stealth fighters is part of Beijing's strategy to expand military operations at long distances and challenge threats.

"Compared to the KJ-500 turboprop aircraft, the KJ-3000 can move into combat areas faster and has better range," Bill Sweetman, a veteran aerospace journalist and industry expert, told Newsweek . The KJ-3000 is powered by four turboprop engines. Sweetman said the aircraft can track targets at long ranges with enough precision to guide long-range air defense weapons, whether launched from fighter jets, warships or the ground.

Currently, the US military owns several types of stealth aircraft such as the F-22, F-35 fighter jets and the B-2, B-21 bombers. These aircraft use low-observable technology, also known as stealth technology, which is less detectable by radar.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-so-huu-khi-tai-moi-co-the-phat-hien-may-bay-my-18525010716222761.htm