Mobile target models of landing ships in the Taklamakan desert

Mobile target models of landing ships in the Taklamakan desert, on which the PLA missile forces also practice during firing.

China has built a new target in the Taklamakan Desert (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) (photo 1), simulating the American aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford for striking it with anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles. Work has been carried out since November 2023. Around the target, there are masts used as radar reflectors.

China’s missile forces as a whole have long been training to launch missile strikes against American targets, including destroyers and aircraft . But, of course, priority is given to the large ships that China will have to face in the Pacific and South China Sea. The main thing is that Beijing understands this, as it sees the increasing presence of Americans in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, there is time to practice. In addition, kamikaze drones and loitering munitions, which are gaining popularity, are also considered as strike weapons to create problems for the hegemon at sea.