A Taiwanese F-16 fighter jet locked onto a Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighter jet using its Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) during China’s large-scale military exercise “Joint Sword-2024B” near Taiwan on Monday. The incident occurred as part of Taiwan’s response to an unprecedented number of Chinese military aircraft operating around the island.
The aerial footage, released by Taiwan’s Military News Agency and published by Youth Daily News, showed the F-16 using the Sniper pod to track the Chinese J-15 jet. The J-15, derived from the Russian Su-33 fighter, was launched from China’s first operational aircraft carrier, the CNS Liaoning, which was participating in the drills southeast of Taiwan. The exercise involved China’s navy, air force, rocket force, and army, with the objective of simulating combat readiness, blocking key ports, and testing sea and land assaults.
Taiwan Air Force F-16 jet equipped with a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod monitors China’s PLA Navy J-15 carrier-based fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/Y2wjgD88qo
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 14, 2024
The ATP, developed by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is an advanced electro-optical system that enhances long-range target detection, tracking, and reconnaissance capabilities. According to Lockheed Martin, the Sniper pod allows pilots to detect, identify, and monitor both air and surface targets with precision. In the footage, the pod’s surveillance system maintained a lock on the J-15, demonstrating the heightened capabilities of Taiwan’s air defense as it faces increasing pressure from Chinese military activities.
China’s Joint Sword-2024B drills represented one of the largest incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reporting that 153 Chinese military aircraft were detected around the island over the course of 24 hours, 111 of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The median line had long served as a de facto boundary between Taiwan and China, but in recent years, Chinese aircraft have regularly violated it during military exercises.
In response to the drills, Taiwan dispatched combat air patrols, deployed naval vessels, and activated coastal missile systems to monitor and deter Chinese military activity. Taiwan’s defense forces have also been upgrading their air capabilities, including acquiring 66 new F-16V fighters in an $8 billion deal with the U.S. These F-16Vs, equipped with the Sniper ATP, represent a significant enhancement of Taiwan’s air defense, providing advanced capabilities to detect and engage enemy aircraft from long distances.
The exercises coincided with increased tensions following a speech by Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, marking National Day. In his address, Lai reiterated that the People’s Republic of China does not represent the Republic of China (Taiwan), which sparked condemnation from Beijing. China’s Joint Sword-2024B drills were seen as a direct response to this speech, with Beijing stating that the exercises aimed to “resolutely foil” any moves toward Taiwanese independence.
While the precise location of the encounter between the Taiwanese F-16 and the Chinese J-15 was not disclosed, Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the Liaoning aircraft carrier was operating in waters southeast of Taiwan during the drill. The exercise also highlighted China’s continued use of military pressure to assert its claims over Taiwan, which it views as a breakaway province.
Amid the increased military activity, Taiwan has been employing indigenously developed Rui Yuan drones for real-time battlefield reconnaissance. These drones have monitored Chinese naval and coast guard vessels near Taiwan’s waters, adding another layer of surveillance as Taiwan responds to the intensifying military exercises.
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