China Herald: Syrian strike tests Chinese radars

Wendell Minnick

When the US and its allies strike Syria, China has a unique opportunity to battle-test it radars, stationed in Syria, writes defense analyst Wendell Minnick in Defense News. And the Pentagon would have its learning possibility too.

Wendell Minnick:

Among the Chinese systems deployed by the Syrian military are the JYL-1 3-D long-range surveillance radar, Type 120 (LLQ120) 2D low-altitude acquisition radar, and JY-27 VHF long-range surveillance radar, according to Richard Fisher, a senior fellow with the US-based International Assessment and Strategy Center.

China would no doubt digest any performance data for use in a potential conflict with the US, which could be sparked by disputes over Taiwan, Senkaku Island or the South China Sea.

But the lessons would flow both ways. The Pentagon would scoop up wartime electronic emissions from the Chinese systems, and moreover, could test its own methods of countering the kind of anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies and technologies that China is developing.

More in Defense News.

Wendell Minnick is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers' request form.

China Weekly Hangout

China's expanding influence has many faces. On June 13 the +China Weekly Hangout discussed with +Eric Olander of the China Africa project discusses the arrest of Chinese gold miners in Ghana, and the position of Chinese labor in Africa. Moderation by +Fons Tuinstra of the China Speakers Bureau.