China Can Detect F-22 F-35 Stealth Jets Using Musk’s Starlink
China Claims to Detect F-22, F-35 Stealth Jets Using Musk’s Starlink Satellites
In a significant development that could potentially reshape the dynamics of modern warfare, Chinese researchers have claimed to have successfully detected stealth aircraft, including the U.S. F-22 and F-35, using SpaceX's Starlink satellite network. This breakthrough leverages the vast electromagnetic signal network of Starlink to identify and track stealth aircraft, which are designed to evade conventional radar detection.
The Detection Method
The detection technique involves monitoring the interference caused by the electromagnetic signals emitted by Starlink satellites whenever an aircraft passes through the path of transmission. This method, known as forward scatter radar detection, capitalizes on the disturbance or "shadow" created by the aircraft as it disrupts the signals between the satellites and ground stations.
In the experiment, conducted off the coast of Guangdong in the South China Sea, a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone was used to simulate a stealth fighter. The drone was chosen due to its radar cross-section, which is similar to that of advanced U.S. fighter jets like the F-22.
Experimental Details
The experiment was overseen by the Chinese State Radio Monitoring Centre and involved the use of a receiver capable of capturing and analyzing Starlink signals. Despite these signals being encrypted and inaccessible to users in China due to policy restrictions, the research team, led by a researcher named Yi, developed a system using commercially available components to detect and analyze the signals.
The team used a high-performance chip, though the specifics remain undisclosed, to fine-tune the algorithm that processes the received signals. The radar antenna used in the experiment was only the size of a frying pan, and the drone flew at relatively low altitudes. Despite these limitations, the system successfully detected intricate details like the movement of the drone's rotors.
Implications and Potential Applications
This discovery marks a significant advancement in detecting stealth aircraft, which are designed to minimize radar reflection through advanced geometric shapes and radar-absorbing materials. The ability to detect these aircraft using Starlink's vast network could revolutionize airspace monitoring and defense systems.
The researchers noted that using third-party radiation sources, such as those from Starlink satellites, could enhance radar systems' concealment and anti-jamming capabilities. This technique could be particularly effective for anti-drone and stealth fighter detection, offering widespread coverage with thousands of satellites in orbit.
Current Status and Future Development
While the experiment has demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the technique, the technology is not yet ready for military deployment. The current system is still in its experimental stages and requires further development to be applied to real-world military scenarios. The team is working to refine the detection model and improve the system's capabilities for detecting stealth aircraft at operational altitudes.
Reactions and Criticisms
The claim has sparked significant debate, with some critics questioning the practicality and military readiness of the technology. Skeptics argue that while the detection of stealth aircraft might be theoretically possible, the actual implementation in a combat scenario is far more complex. They point out that advanced stealth technology, such as that employed by the F-22 and F-35, is designed to evade detection by even the most sophisticated radar systems, and that commercial drones using Starlink signals are unlikely to pose a significant threat.
However, if the Chinese researchers' claims are validated and the technology is further developed, it could potentially undermine the U.S. military's reliance on stealth aircraft, such as the F-22 and F-35, which are currently considered nearly undetectable.