What secrets have foreign media discovered while carefully observing China's KJ-700?
Recently, the appearance of China's KJ-700 (KJ-700) AEW aircraft has attracted high attention from foreign media. This new-generation AEW aircraft, based on the Y-9 transport aircraft platform, not only inherits the excellent traditions of China's AEW fleet but also demonstrates a leading-edge technological advantage with its unique multi-intelligence design and advanced sensor suite. Foreign media attempted to uncover the mysteries of the KJ-700 through various observations. What "secrets" have they discovered?
According to reports by foreign media outlets such as The War Zone, the biggest highlight of the KJ-700 lies in its "intelligent" integrated detection capability. Unlike traditional AEW aircraft that primarily rely on radar for airspace monitoring tasks, the KJ-700 deeply integrates onboard radar with electro-optical and infrared sensors to build a comprehensive perception system. The rotating radome equipped on the top of the fuselage houses distributed aperture radar, capable of efficiently detecting enemy aircraft and missiles at different frequency bands, particularly excelling at capturing low-altitude targets. The active electronically scanned array antenna of the side-looking airborne radar further enhances its lateral detection capability.
More impressively, the KJ-700 integrates electro-optical/infrared sensor suites at locations such as the nose, wingtips, and tailcone, including large-aperture CCD cameras, infrared imaging detection devices, and laser rangefinders. These sensors can identify targets at long distances and possess excellent detection potential for stealth aircraft and low-radar signature targets. Foreign media analysis suggests that this multi-sensor collaborative model enables the KJ-700 to demonstrate extremely high flexibility in airspace surveillance, maritime reconnaissance, and even ground target tracking tasks, making it a paragon of an "intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR)" platform.
The service of the KJ-700 is closely related to China's strategic needs. Based on the Y-9 platform, the KJ-700 inherits the natural advantages of turboprop aircraft in dispersed base and simple airport operations, especially suitable for executing missions in strategically significant areas such as the South China Sea. The multi-intelligence sensor suite of the KJ-700 can effectively detect diversified threats including stealth fighters, drones, and cruise missiles, providing critical support for China's long-range force projection.
In addition, the KJ-700 is believed to have command and control (C2) and communication relay functions. Foreign media speculate that its satellite communication antenna ensures stable communication across the vast Indo-Pacific theater, supporting joint operations. This capability makes it not only an AEW aircraft but also a core node in networked battlefields.
Notably, the electro-optical/infrared suite of the KJ-700 can effectively counter stealth threats, while its powerful radar system provides precise guidance for interceptors and air defense systems. This cross-domain collaborative capability makes the KJ-700 more survivable and operationally effective in complex battlefield environments.
Despite some details of the KJ-700 still being shrouded in mystery, foreign media unanimously believe that the emergence of this aircraft marks China's technical confidence and strategic ambition in the field of early warning. Its innovative design of multi-intelligence fusion not only redefines the role of AEW aircraft but also sets a new benchmark for global military technology development. As The War Zone column commented: "The KJ-700 is not just a radar aircraft; it represents China's profound insight into future war forms."
From technology to strategy, every appearance of the KJ-700 sends a message to the world: Chinese AEW aircraft are steadily advancing toward the peak of military modernization with a leading-edge posture. Although the observation of foreign media may have only touched the tip of the iceberg, the potential and secrets of this aircraft are already enough to provoke widespread reflection globally.
Original article: [https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494585050671956519/](https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494585050671956519/)
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