Beijing, February 15 - The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has showcased the advanced capabilities of its fighter jets in close-range aerial encounters, as detailed in a recent report from PLA Daily. Eastern Theatre Command aircraft successfully achieved a radar lock on a foreign stealth plane at a remarkably short distance of 800 metres. This incident highlights the growing prowess of Chinese air forces in detecting and tracking low-observable aircraft, even under challenging conditions where stealth technology typically reduces radar cross-sections significantly. The engagement underscores China's progress in developing sophisticated radar systems and fighter jet sensors designed to counter modern aerial threats.
According to the official military publication, the encounter involved PLA fighters maintaining persistent radar illumination on the unidentified foreign stealth aircraft. At such proximity, equivalent to approximately 2,624 feet, the lead aircraft reportedly engaged in close-quarters maneuvers while a wingman sustained the radar lock. This coordinated tactic forced the foreign plane to perform evasive maneuvers to break contact and disengage. The event demonstrates effective teamwork and tactical precision by PLA pilots, reflecting rigorous training and operational readiness in potential high-stakes scenarios over contested airspace.
This revelation follows previous reports of similar PLA successes in intercepting and responding to foreign stealth fighters, emphasizing the continuous enhancement of China's air defense and interception strategies. The ability to achieve and hold a radar lock at 800 metres against a stealth platform points to advancements in multi-mode radars, signal processing, and electronic warfare integration aboard Chinese fighters. Such capabilities bolster regional air superiority and serve as a deterrent amid increasing military activities in sensitive maritime and aerial domains.
The PLA Daily account reaffirms the commitment of Chinese forces to safeguarding national sovereignty through superior technology and professionalism. As global airpower dynamics evolve, incidents like this illustrate the narrowing gap in stealth detection and engagement, positioning China's fighter jets as formidable assets in modern aerial warfare. These developments contribute to broader discussions on aviation technology, stealth countermeasures, and military aviation advancements.