China fires 16 ballistic missiles in large-scale test, unveils next-gen radar system
The radar’s ability to continuously track 31 decoys and secondary targets while prioritizing seven high-value threats represents a significant leap in the country’s anti-saturation capabilities.
Demonstrating its ever increasing military capabilities, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fired up to 16 ballistic missiles at a single target in the Gobi Desert to test a next-generation radar system designed to counter saturation attacks.
Presenting a key technological leap, the system delivered what Chinese military scientists described as early detection, precision measurement, and accurate reporting—essential for neutralizing advanced threats like hypersonic glide vehicles and missiles with decoys or multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).
New radar detects and hits every incoming missile in test
A paper published in February by Zhang Zhenbiao, a senior engineer with the PLA’s 63623 Unit in Jiuquan, Gansu province, revealed that all missiles were successfully detected and tracked by a new dual-band (S/X) phased array radar system, achieving a 100% hit rate on the target, the South China Morning Post reported.
As Zhang and colleagues explain, the radar’s ability to continuously track 31 decoys and secondary targets while prioritizing seven high-value threats represents a significant leap forward in anti-saturation capabilities. This level of precision tracking is crucial in modern warfare, where adversaries often deploy decoys and countermeasures to overwhelm defense systems.