According to a report shared by Interesting Engineering, China is using replicas of the US-made F-35 and F-22 fighter jets produced by Lockheed Martin for training exercises. Satellite images show that China is using model replicas of F-35 and F-22 fighter jets parked at a mock airfield in Qakilik, located in the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of Northwest China, for target practice.
Other Replicas: P-8A Poseidon and U-2 Reconnaissance Aircraft
In this area, there are also replicas of the P-8A Poseidon and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. The satellite images, captured on April 19, 2024, by Planet Labs PBC and shared by Business Insider, reveal clear evidence of the areas where the mock aircraft were targeted and destroyed. Some photos show significant damage inflicted on these models by Chinese Air Force training strikes, while others show partial destruction.
Training Purpose Replicas
Brady Africk, an open-source intelligence analyst working at the American Enterprise Institute, noted that the fake aircraft are used for training purposes, similar to other models produced by China. Creating replicas of enemy assets is one of China’s preferred strategies to determine how to neutralize them. China had previously built replicas of American warships to use as missile targets.
China’s Strategic Drills
Considering the resolution of the satellite images, the level of detail in the models is unclear. However, these targets are believed to be for testing China’s new Dong-Feng DF-21D ground-based ballistic missile, known as the “aircraft carrier killer.”
High Tensions Between Beijing and Taiwan
Earlier this year, China also constructed a replica of a significant area in Taiwan’s capital. While the use of these models remains unclear, this move has raised concerns that the PLA is preparing for a full-scale invasion of the island nation. Beijing has significantly increased its military activities around Taiwan to force the island into reunification, keeping tensions high between the two countries.
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