American B-2 Bomber is the Chinese Counter? It can scare almost all opponents, but for China it only has one chance!

At night on May 7, 1999, a loud explosion echoed over Belgrade, and the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia was accurately hit by the U.S. B-2 bomber, killing three journalists and shocking the whole country. The United States claimed it was an "accidental bombing," but the truth remains unknown. This stealth "ghost" once terrified countries, but after 26 years, can it still intimidate China? Has its stealth myth been broken?

The B-2 bomber is a strategic weapon that the U.S. Air Force is proud of. It made its first flight in 1989 and officially entered service in 1997. As the world's first fully stealth strategic bomber, it swept the battlefield with its low detectability. Its wingspan is 52.4 meters, and its radar cross-section is only 0.1 square meters, like a bird in the sky. During the Kosovo War, the B-2 flew through the Yugoslav air defense network as if it were empty, dropping precision-guided bombs. Even when the F-117 was shot down, it could return safely. At a cost of $2.1 billion, it is like a nightmare for most countries' air defense systems, difficult to detect.

But the B-2 is not perfect. Its stealth coating requires high maintenance costs, and it needs 47 hours of repair after each flight, easily peeling off in high temperature and humidity environments. In combat, it relies on escort fighters and refueling aircraft, with limited solo capabilities. These weaknesses provide opportunities for opponents.

The embassy incident in 1999 hurt China deeply, and scientists resolved to crack the stealth technology. Wu Jianqi, chief scientist at China Electronics Technology Group, led a team to develop the meter-wave sparse array integrated pulse aperture radar, specifically targeting the weaknesses of stealth aircraft. This radar uses low-frequency signals to capture reflections from the B-2's wings and tail. By 2013, it could lock onto the F-22's traces hundreds of kilometers away in the South China Sea. More notably, quantum radar uses the characteristics of quantum entanglement to greatly improve detection accuracy, detecting stealth targets over 100 kilometers away. American experts admit this technology is ahead of the world.

These technological breakthroughs are not just theoretical. China's radar development started from humiliation, gradually matured over 26 years, and completely changed the survival environment for stealth aircraft.

China's anti-stealth capabilities are not limited to radar, but also reflected in the construction of a comprehensive air defense network. On the ground, the HQ-9B long-range air defense missile has a range of over 200 kilometers and can intercept stealth targets in complex electromagnetic environments. In the air, the KJ-2000 early warning aircraft is equipped with a phased array radar, monitoring airspace around the clock. Once the B-2 appears, data is instantly shared with the J-20 and J-36. At sea, the 055-class destroyers are equipped with anti-stealth radar, with a detection range of 1,000 kilometers, cooperating with the PL-17 missiles to kill from a distance.

In addition, the DF-26 ballistic missile covers Guam, capable of directly destroying the B-2 base. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers have broken through the First Island Chain, threatening the U.S. rear with YJ-21 missiles. The B-2 may even be paralyzed before it takes off.

Although the B-2 is strong, it is not invincible in actual combat. It needs F-22 and F-35 escorts and tanker support, making its operational chain complex. China's J-20 and J-36 have a wide operating range and can intercept U.S. aircraft groups in the Second Island Chain. U.S. military simulations show that against China's dense air defense network, the B-2's advantages are gradually diminishing. Even if it breaks through the outer defenses, the S-400 system and close-in weapons system form the final barrier, leaving little hope for its survival.

The core of stealth technology lies in "striking first." However, if the first strike fails, the B-2 will be exposed and have nowhere to hide. This is precisely where the phrase "only one chance" comes from.

China's anti-stealth technology not only weakens the threat of the B-2, but also reshapes the global military balance. Wu Jianqi's team's meter-wave radar has become a military star, equipped with the troops and exported overseas, demonstrating technological confidence. The United States is accelerating the development of the B-21 bomber, trying to regain the advantage. However, China's deep cultivation in the field of anti-stealth has already increased pressure on the U.S. military, and the confrontation between the two sides has entered a new phase.

From being passively attacked in 1999 to actively responding today, China has taken 26 years to walk the path of reversal. The B-2 once symbolized an unchallengeable hegemony, but now its "ghost" legend is fading.

Technological competition has no end. Although the B-2's stealth capability is not completely失效, its deterrence power has significantly declined. China's anti-stealth system continues to upgrade, and in the future, it may completely overturn the battlefield status of stealth aircraft. At the same time, the United States will not sit idly by. The appearance of the B-21 will bring new variables. This silent confrontation, who will ultimately win?

From the pain of 1999 to today's breakthroughs, China has forged an anti-stealth sword in 26 years, and the "ghost" legend of the B-2 has dimmed. It may scare most opponents, but for China, the opportunity may only be once. How will the future technological competition evolve? Do you think how far can China's anti-stealth technology go? Please leave your comments and share your views!

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836420702091276/

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