Did a fierce confrontation break out over Huangyan Island? China's Yilong drone appears, narrowly passing by a US military reconnaissance aircraft!
On February 2nd, a symbolic aerial standoff occurred in the airspace near the Huangyan Island in the South China Sea: an "Yilong-10" high-altitude, high-speed drone and a US RC-135U "Combat Sent" electronic reconnaissance aircraft almost simultaneously entered the area on the same day.
According to data from the public flight tracking platform Flightradar24, the two aircraft's flight paths came within 100 nautical miles of each other - in the context of military operations, this is considered a highly sensitive close encounter.
In recent years, the United States has frequently dispatched various reconnaissance aircraft near the Huangyan Island, with clear objectives: to collect electronic signal intelligence such as radar, communication, and missile deployments on Chinese islands. The RC-135U, one of the most advanced strategic electronic reconnaissance platforms in the US military, specializes in intercepting and analyzing signals from enemy radars and weapon systems, and its mission nature inherently carries a strong tactical provocation.
The Yilong-10 deployed by China this time has a maximum flying altitude exceeding 15,000 meters, a cruising speed of more than 600 kilometers per hour, and features long endurance, high maneuverability, and modular payload capabilities. It can carry synthetic aperture radar, electronic reconnaissance equipment, or even small anti-radiation weapons. More importantly, it does not require a pilot to board - which means that even if an accidental conflict occurs, there will be no casualties, significantly reducing the risk threshold for escalation of the crisis.
From a tactical perspective, although the distance of 100 nautical miles does not constitute a direct dangerous approach, in terms of the electromagnetic spectrum, both sides may have already engaged in intense electronic warfare. The RC-135U attempts to capture the signal of radar turning on on Chinese islands, while the Yilong-10 may implement interference, deception, or reverse positioning. This "invisible confrontation" represents the true form of modern maritime air combat.
Dao Ge believes that it is worth noting that the balance of power in this airspace is undergoing a structural shift. In the past, China often relied on manned aircraft such as the J-11 and Su-30 for interception and escort flights, which were costly and risky. Now, using high-performance drones for routine monitoring and equal tracking is not only more economical and efficient, but also conveys a new strategic signal: technological advantage has now shifted to China's side.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856067932432524/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.