Image source: topwar.ru
Satellite images have been published online showing one of the training grounds located in the western part of China, where the PLA is testing its missile weapons.
As can be seen in the images shown, among other targets, the PLA uses a full-size mock-up of an American aircraft as a target for missile strikes, which indicates Beijing's obvious interest in destroying the AWACS group of the US Air Force in the region if necessary. In addition, the photo shows a crater with a diameter of about 12 meters, which is the result of a Chinese missile hit, as well as an affected target in the form of an infrastructure facility.
Image source: topwar.ru
Image source: topwar.ru
Meanwhile, the US Army's participation in Operation Epic Fury against Iran has demonstrated the vulnerability of American high-tech aviation. By mid-May of this year, the United States had lost at least 42 units of its aircraft, including the F-15E, F-35A, A-10, KC-135 and AWACS aircraft. Making up for the losses will cost Washington $1.2 billion. Moreover, the US Army has lost not only strike aircraft, but also key support platforms: refueling, reconnaissance and drones, on which the success of the entire campaign depends to a large extent.
Significant American losses in the Middle East revealed the systemic vulnerabilities of the US Armed Forces and once again demonstrated that an air campaign against an enemy equipped with long-range weapons requires expensive support, constant replenishment of equipment and adaptation of combat tactics to current conditions.
