Anti-stealth radars unveiled at air show

With stealth aircraft like the United States' F-22 and F-35 poised to dominate modern aerial combat, countermeasures are emerging.

China has been showcasing an array of air-defense radars capable of detecting stealth fighters at a six-day arms expo - and the nation appears keen to sell the cutting-edge technology to any state fearing a threat from above.

Three large radars made by China Electronics Technology Group Corp were on display at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which closed on Sunday in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. The State-owned defense giant has developed almost all of the radars used by the People's Liberation Army.

Two models, the YLC-8B and SLC-7, which were designed by the company's Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology, integrate the traditional detection method of mechanical scanning with advanced phased array technology, so are capable of detecting aerial targets including stealth aircraft, the institute said.

Another model, the JY-27A, is a long-range surveillance/guidance radar that is resistant to jamming and is highly reliable and mobile, according to materials provided by China Electronics Technology Group.

The biennial exhibition, also known as the Zhuhai Air Show, is said to be the largest arms expo in Asia. Chinese defense enterprises use the occasion to debut or promote their products.

Senior Colonel Li Li, a military equipment expert at the PLA National Defense University, said detecting stealth planes requires highly sophisticated technology and that Chinese institutes have been devising radar-based approaches.

Gao Zhuo, a military observer in Shanghai, said China has become a leader in anti-stealth radar, with many capabilities of its radars regarded the best in the world.

In addition to the current models, the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology is also developing a cutting-edge radar that adopts quantum technology, according to a report by an online PLA publication.

A quantum-based radar can be mounted on ground vehicles and aircraft to detect stealth planes from long distances, the report said, adding that only the US and China are researching such technology.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/07/2016 page3)