The models are an exact representation of the kinds of ships the United States uses in the South China Sea. Satellites picked up at least one clear photo of an aircraft carrier and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, according to photos from satellite imaging company Maxar obtained by the U.S. Naval Institute.
The carrier target itself seems to be a flat surface without the carrier's island, aircraft lifts, weapons sponsons, or other details, the imagery from Maxar shows. On radar, the outline of the carrier stands out from the surrounding desert – not unlike a target photo, according to imagery given to USNI News by Capella Space.
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Two more target areas represent an aircraft carrier that does not have the metal but are distinguishable as carriers due to their outline. Yet other warship targets seem to be more elaborate. There are many upright poles positioned on them, possibly for instrumentation, according to the imagery. Alternatively,w these may be used for radar reflectors to simulate the superstructure of the vessel.
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"The mockups of several probable U.S. warships, along with other warships (mounted on rails and mobile), could simulate targets related to seeking/target acquisition testing," declared the AllSource Analysis summary cited by USNI News. "This, and the extensive detail of the mockups, including the placement of multiple sensors on and around the vessel targets, it is probable that this area is intended for multiple uses over time."
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China built similar models of U.S. ships in 2019, yet they were dismantled later that year. They were rebuilt starting in September and finished last month. The structures seem to operate on a rail system and can be moved. Thus far, there are no weapon impacts in the area.
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The models were first identified via satellite images in the Taklamakan Desert area of Ruoqiang County, where the Chinese military has conducted ballistic missile testing in the past. In 2013, it used a range in the area to test anti-ship missiles.
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The revelation comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China over Chinese aggression toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea. In July 2020 the Chinese carried a missile test in the Sea around islands where China has territorial conflicts with other Southeast Asian nations.
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It's not the first time China has built an aircraft carrier target in the desert. Since 2003, a large concrete pad, roughly the size of a carrier, has been used as a target. The slab, which is part of the Shuangcheng missile test range, has been hit many times and is frequently repaired. The new site in the Taklamakan desert is 600 miles away and is much more evolved. The newer ship targets are closer approximations of the vessels that they are supposed to represent.
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