China Constructs Replicas of Advanced US Warplanes for Tactical Training

Recent satellite images have revealed a striking development in China’s military strategy: the creation of replicas of some of America’s most advanced warplanes in a remote desert area in northwest China.

China has created replicas of F-35 & F-22 fighters

These mock-ups include models of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, strategically placed for what appears to be training purposes. The images, showing scorch marks and craters around the site, suggest that some of these model warplanes have been targeted and destroyed, indicating active use for simulated combat scenarios.

According to MSN reports, these marks were not present in earlier images from previous years, highlighting recent activity and training exercises. Approximately 20 aircraft are clustered near a building, with an additional three positioned closer to a runway in the Taklamakan Desert.

China uses these replicas for training

While most of the aircraft are covered, nine are exposed, possibly for ongoing training exercises and assessments. Brady Africk, an open-source intelligence analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, suggests that these dummy aircraft are likely used for training purposes, similar to other mock-ups utilized by China for strategic planning and military readiness.

This approach aligns with China’s strategy of simulating scenarios involving potential adversaries to better understand and neutralize their capabilities.

This isn’t the first time China has employed such tactics. Previously, China has constructed imitation American warships to serve as missile targets, demonstrating a persistent effort to enhance its military preparedness and capability assessment against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions.

The development of these mock-ups underscores China’s commitment to developing and refining its military capabilities, utilizing advanced technologies and strategic simulations to prepare for potential conflicts and strategic maneuvers in the future.