China’s next-generation KJ-3000 radar planes may have quietly entered production

AI Summary

Satellite imagery suggests China may have started limited production of its next-generation KJ-3000 airborne early-warning aircraft, with three possible production examples seen at a factory. If deployed, the aircraft could improve the People’s Liberation Army’s ability to detect threats and coordinate operations in the western Pacific, including in a potential Taiwan conflict.

China may have begun limited production of its next-generation KJ-3000 airborne early warning aircraft, with satellite imagery suggesting that three possible production examples were already parked at a factory as early as April, according to an imagery analyst. If brought into service, the aircraft could help the People’s Liberation Army to detect threats, track targets and coordinate air operations across the western Pacific, including during a potential conflict over Taiwan involving US and...