Chinese troops have been using mockups of American aircraft for training purposes at a desert training ground in Kakilik, Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang. Satellite images showing these mockups were published online. The mockups include replicas of new-generation American aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Some of the mockups in the photos appear to be damaged or burned. It is suspected that these mockups have been used by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force for training exercises simulating attacks on military targets.

It is believed that the use of these mockups indicates China’s preparations for potential conflicts with the United States and its allies, including Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Korea, and possibly Taiwan, which also use F-35 fighter jets. The mockups may also be linked to the development of special software for missiles with infrared homing heads that are designed to capture targets based on preloaded silhouettes. In addition to the mockups of American aircraft, China has constructed a replica of a district in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, which could be used for training infantry units and precision strikes on buildings.

ملخص الأخبار

• النماذج في منطقة تدريب صحراوية تستخدم لإطلاق الصواريخ ورمي قنابل طائرات.
• النماذج الأمريكية المحترقة والتالفة ربما استُخدمت من قبل قوة الصواريخ في الجيش الصيني.
• الصين تستخدم نماذج طائرات للتدريب كجزء من التحضيرات المحتملة لنزاعات مستقبلية مع الولايات المتحدة وحلفائها.
• تقارير تشير إلى احتمال استخدام النماذج في تطوير برمجيات خاصة للصواريخ برؤوس توجيه الأشعة تحت الحمراء.