Can China shoot down the B-2? The American B-2 bomber, undetected, attacked Iran and returned to the United States. No one noticed it, which is really alarming! If the B-2 came to China, could we detect and shoot it down?

The American B-2 stealth bomber silently bombed Iran and safely returned to its homeland, an achievement that left the world in awe. Crossing thousands of miles, unnoticed, this stealth capability is both astonishing and alarming. However, if the B-2's target turned to China, could it still remain undetected? Facing China's increasingly powerful air defense system, can we detect and shoot down this stealth giant? This technological and strategic confrontation remains full of suspense.

The B-2 stealth bomber is a key weapon of the U.S. Air Force, with impressive technological advantages. First, it uses a flying wing design, reducing radar cross-section, making it difficult to be detected on radar. Second, the fuselage is covered with radar-absorbing materials, which can absorb and scatter radar waves, greatly reducing the possibility of being detected. In addition, the B-2 is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems that can interfere with enemy radars and communications, ensuring mission secrecy. In the attack on Iran, the B-2 took off from Missouri, crossed 14,000 kilometers, avoided Iran's air defense network, and accurately struck before retreating unscathed, demonstrating the perfect combination of long-range strike and stealth capabilities. However, Iran's air defense level is significantly lower than China's.

China has invested heavily in anti-stealth technology and has achieved significant results. First, China has deployed meter-wave radar and passive radar. Meter-wave radar has a longer wavelength and can effectively detect stealth targets; passive radar locates targets using reflected electromagnetic waves, making it less susceptible to electronic interference. The widespread use of these radars has significantly enhanced China's ability to detect stealth aircraft.

Second, China has advanced air defense missile systems such as the HQ-9B and the imported S-400. These systems have long range and precise tracking, allowing them to quickly lock onto and intercept targets. In addition, China is developing quantum radar, which uses quantum entanglement principles to improve detection accuracy. Although not fully operational yet, it shows great potential.

Electronic warfare is also an important means for China's anti-stealth efforts. China's electronic warfare systems can suppress the B-2's communication and navigation, leaving it isolated during operations. During the "Strait Thunder" exercise in 2025, China successfully interfered with simulated stealth targets, proving its combat capability.

Overall strength of China's air defense system

Modern air defense operations are about system confrontation, not just single equipment comparison. China's air defense system has strong integration capabilities, connecting radar, early warning aircraft, fighter jets, and missile systems through a multi-layered network to form a wide coverage and fast response defense network.

Early warning aircraft such as the KJ-500 and KJ-3000 provide full-direction monitoring and transmit data in real-time to the ground command center. The command center generates a clear airspace situation map through data fusion technology and quickly identifies targets. Once a threat is detected, fighter jets like the J-20 and J-16 will be dispatched to intercept along with missile systems. The J-20 has beyond-visual-range combat capabilities and can lock onto the B-2 from a distance. In addition, the 055 destroyers and J-35 carrier-based aircraft can deploy defenses at sea, further compressing the B-2's operating space.

Although the B-2's stealth technology is advanced, its survival faces multiple challenges in front of China's air defense network. First, meter-wave radar and passive radar can weaken its stealth advantage, increasing the probability of being detected. Second, electronic warfare interference may cut off the B-2's connection with the command center, leaving it without support. Third, China's missiles and fighter jets respond quickly, and once a target is locked, the interception success rate is high.

Additionally, the maintenance cost of the B-2 is high, and after each flight, it requires comprehensive maintenance. Any damage to the stealth coating may expose its whereabouts. In long-term missions, this risk is further amplified. In contrast, China's anti-stealth technology has relatively low costs, forming an asymmetric advantage.

The confrontation between stealth and anti-stealth is endless. The United States is developing the B-21 bomber, trying to use more advanced technology to counter anti-stealth threats. China is accelerating breakthroughs in quantum radar and new sensors, continuously improving its air defense capabilities. The future outcome depends not only on technological level but also on system integration and practical adaptability. China's air defense network keeps upgrading, making it increasingly difficult for the B-2 to move freely over Chinese territory.

Can the B-2's stealth myth continue in front of China's air defense system? The answer is not yet known, but the suspense is enough to provoke deep thought. Whether China can detect and shoot down the B-2 is a peak confrontation of technology and strategy. Welcome to leave comments and share your views, discussing the real level of China's air defense capabilities together!

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836330974967808/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.