Chinese Claims ‘Busting’ US Stealth Fighters; Experts Weigh In
Chinese experts claim to have discovered vulnerabilities in US stealth aircraft, including the recently unveiled B-21 Raider, according to reports. Through simulation and the use of hypersonic weapons, Chinese scientists assert that the highly advanced Raider can be shot down, even when attempting to elude China’s formidable air force and anti-stealth radars. This revelation has sparked intrigue and debate among military watchers, with some dismissing the claims as propaganda. However, experts acknowledge that China has been actively working on anti-stealth capabilities and counter-stealth radar systems in recent years. The question remains whether these claims hold true, with experts highlighting the complexities of modern warfare and the importance of long-range ordnance and advanced technologies in potential conflicts. While Western analysts and officials refute the Chinese claims, the ongoing pursuit of stealth technology and counter-stealth measures continues to shape the evolving dynamics of air combat in the Asia Pacific region.
China’s assertion that its hypersonic weapons can successfully target US stealth aircraft, including the newly revealed B-21 Raider, has prompted experts to examine the validity of these claims. Through simulation and the utilization of artificial intelligence, Chinese scientists believe they have identified vulnerabilities in the Raider, designed explicitly for conflict with China. This revelation has generated debate among military observers, who question the validity and ambition of these assertions. While some dismiss the claims as propaganda, others recognize China’s ongoing efforts in developing anti-stealth capabilities and counter-stealth radar systems.
The US Air Force’s Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) doctrine places the B-21 Raider at the forefront of its strategy for potential air conflict with China. With a speed of approximately 1,000 kilometers per hour, the Raider is slightly slower than the speed of sound. However, Chinese scientists claim to have simulated scenarios where the Raider and its companion drone were shot down by China’s air-to-air missiles, which can reach speeds of Mach 6. This has raised concerns among military analysts, who point out that the US Air Force has kept most details about the Raider classified, making it difficult to assess the validity of these claims.
China’s ongoing efforts to develop counter-stealth radar systems and anti-stealth capabilities have been well-documented. Chinese engineers have reportedly built an infrared search-and-track system that can detect the heat signature of high-speed mobile aircraft at long ranges. Infrared search-and-track (IRST) systems play a crucial role in identifying stealth aircraft, as they rely solely on an aircraft’s infrared signature, which is not affected by radar-evading design elements. China has also claimed to have developed an IRST radar for its J-20 stealth aircraft capable of detecting the signatures of US B-2 stealth bombers and F-22 fighters from significant distances.
While some experts dismiss the Chinese claims as overly ambitious and refute the possibility of successfully intercepting and attacking US stealth aircraft, others recognize the complexities of modern warfare and the importance of long-range fires and advanced technologies. They argue that in potential conflicts, missiles, killer drones, space-based technology, artificial intelligence, and long-range ordnance may have a greater impact than stealth aircraft. With ongoing developments in the Asia Pacific region, including the proliferation of US F-35 jets in Japan and South Korea, the pursuit of stealth technology and counter-stealth measures continues to shape the dynamics of air combat.
As the debate surrounding Chinese claims persists, it is crucial to closely examine the evolving capabilities and strategies of both China and the US. While skepticism remains among some military observers, it is evident that the pursuit of advanced stealth technology and counter-stealth measures is an ongoing endeavor that directly impacts potential conflicts in the region. The true extent of China’s abilities to target and neutralize US stealth aircraft may only be revealed in the event of a confrontation. Until then, the debate and speculation surrounding these claims will continue to shape discussions on the future of air combat in the Asia Pacific region.
