Satellite Photos Show China's Copying Japan's SDF Aircraft; Experts Claim It's a Dummy Target—For What?

Some satellite photos revealed that China copied Japan's AWACS (airborne warning control system) airplane. Experts claimed that they did this so that they could use the dummy aircraft as target practice.

If this is true, then why are they trying to target a copy of the Japanese airplane? China has a long history of copying war technologies from other countries, such as Japan, the United States, and other giant nations.

They are either copying the jets and other war weapons because of their advanced features or they can be studying how to take them down.

Now, what is the main goal of China with its Japan AWACS-like aircraft which was revealed in the sat images?

Satellite Photos Show China's Copying Japan's SDF Aircraft

According to Nikkei Asia's latest report, the leaked satellite images specifically show the advanced E-767 aircraft, which is used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

The copy was spotted in a desert area of Xinjian, China. One of the experts that confirmed the prototype is Thomas Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).

"I looked around to see what AWACS is of that size and shape and has two engines, and there is one: the E-767, which is operated only by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force," he explained.

On the other hand, a former SDF official claimed that the airplane copy of Japan's AWACS aircraft might be used as a dummy target. If this is true, then China will find more ways how to take down this kind of plane.

What is AWACS Aircraft?

Britannica explained that AWACS is a mobile long-range radar surveillance aircraft. It is also called the "control tower of the sky" since it can control functions that allow fighter jets to intercept unidentified aircraft or enemy planes.

This system was first developed by the United States Air Force. After that, it was also used by Japan and other countries.

Now, experts claim that AWACS airplanes are essential since these flying techs allow them to monitor the Nansei Islands.

If ever China decided to destroy their AWACS airplanes, they would have no means of monitoring the said areas, making them blind during aerial attacks. You can view this link to see further details.

Previously, experts said that the U.S. Space Command would use non-traditional sensors for their ground and sea missile defense radars.

On the other hand, a new GPS-assisting tech called GAGAN was introduced by India, allowing passenger airplanes to have more efficient navigation.

For more news updates about the AWACS aircraft of Japan and other related defense topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by: Griffin Davis