Satellite images reveal China has constructed a full-scale model of a US guided-missile destroyer at a missile testing range in Xinjiang, according to a report by the NTD Hebrew news channel citing experts quoted by Bloomberg. The replica was placed at the site earlier this month and may be used to test anti-ship weaponry, analysts say.
Satellite imagery obtained and published by the NTD Hebrew news channel shows China has placed a full-scale mockup of an American guided-missile destroyer at a missile testing range in the Xinjiang region, western China. The replica — resembling a U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer — was reportedly positioned at the site earlier this month. Analysts told Bloomberg the model could be used to test anti-ship weapon systems, according to the NTD report.
China has previously constructed full-scale replicas of U.S. warships in the Taklamakan Desert, including an aircraft carrier target range that The Zioneer covered in June. Beijing has also built mockups of Taiwanese government buildings. The practice of building detailed scale models of adversaries' vessels and structures is part of Chinese efforts to test weapons and tactics in realistic conditions.
As of this report — based on a single source (the NTD channel quoting Bloomberg and unnamed experts) — no additional Western or Chinese official confirmation is available. The report reproduces satellite images but does not detail the precise dimensions of the replica or the range.
The development underscores China's ongoing military modernization and its focus on developing capabilities to challenge U.S. naval forces in a potential conflict, particularly in the Indo-Pacific theater.
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