China’s electronic warfare forces have allegedly misled a foreign spy plane over the South China Sea using a vehicle-mounted system that created fake radar signals.
The aircraft, whose country of origin was not identified, was said to have chased false radar targets, including what looked like a large warship or amphibious vessel, according to South China Morning Post, which cited a Chinese military magazine.
The report gave few details about the operation but noted that the system can copy radar signals that resemble those of large ships from up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away.
Approximately the size of a small jeep, the platform was shown publicly during a Beijing military parade last September, though its name and full capabilities remain classified.
Unlike older radar jammers that only disrupt signals, the system can detect enemy radar, analyze its frequency, and instantly transmit realistic false echoes, offering the coverage of dozens of previous units while deploying much faster.
Additionally, the system reportedly holds a database of radar profiles used by US, Japanese, and Australian forces, enabling it to generate convincing fake targets within seconds.
Strategic Significance
Sources said that the incident is considered a rare public glimpse into China’s electronic warfare capabilities and highlights the country’s growing focus on controlling the electromagnetic battlefield.
The capability is expected to help Beijing establish an electronic shield in sensitive areas such as the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, where US and allied aircraft frequently patrol, bolstering its ability to conceal real movements or mislead foreign forces about its naval operations.
Expanding Regional Presence
The report comes as Washington moves to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific.
Earlier this month, the US Department of Defense invested $975,000 to upgrade the Philippine Navy’s main base near the South China Sea.
The project will add a small boat maintenance facility at Naval Detachment Oyster Bay in Palawan to support patrol craft and US-supplied drone boats.
