China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) electronic warfare unit has outlined key targets, including radars and communication equipment, that it would attack in the event of a potential conflict. The targets were detailed in a recent issue of Defence Industry Conversion in China, a magazine overseen by the State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense, according to a report by the South China Morning Post on Monday.
Mo Jiaqian, an electronic countermeasures expert with the PLA’s 92728 Unit, highlighted specific vulnerabilities in U.S. naval defense systems. “This information can provide references for the development of electronic countermeasures technology and related equipment in China’s future naval battlefields,” Jiaqian stated in the publication.
One critical target identified in the report is the U.S. Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system. This advanced system enables U.S. aircraft carriers and their associated fleet to coordinate air defense, detect early threats, and launch missiles from any ship within the group. The CEC’s interconnected phased array radars provide seamless data-sharing across the fleet.
However, Jiaqian pointed out a significant vulnerability in this system. “It is formed through the networking of phased array radars, which relies on wireless communication links. When the opposing force employs electronic interference, the wireless links are prone to disconnection or disruption,” Jiaqian explained.
The publication of these details raises questions about China’s strategic intentions. By identifying the CEC system as both a strength and a weakness, the PLA may be signaling their preparedness to exploit electronic warfare in a future conflict scenario. The report’s release comes amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and increasing competition between the U.S. and China over military dominance.
The U.S. Navy’s CEC system is a cornerstone of its air defense strategy, allowing seamless communication and coordinated response across the fleet. Any successful disruption of the system could severely hinder the Navy’s ability to defend against missile attacks and other threats.
Why this specific information was published remains unclear. It could serve as a warning or a psychological tactic aimed at undermining confidence in U.S. defense capabilities. Regardless, the report underscores the PLA’s focus on developing sophisticated electronic warfare tactics to counter advanced U.S. military systems.
As tensions continue to rise, both nations are investing heavily in electronic warfare and countermeasures. The disclosure of such targeting strategies highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare, where electronic disruption can play a decisive role in determining outcomes on the battlefield.
