China Builds Replica of U.S. Destroyer for Weapon Testing

China has begun constructing a full-scale replica of a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer atop a target vessel to test its own weapons systems under realistic conditions, according to satellite imagery dated September 7.

The modified ship is located at the Jiangsu Dayang Marine Equipment shipyard in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, a facility known for building target ships and electronic simulation complexes for the People's Liberation Army Navy. The new superstructure replicates the silhouette, dimensions, and radar-reflective surfaces of modern American, Japanese, and South Korean destroyers.

The upgrade aims to validate how Chinese radars, missile seekers, drones, and other sensors detect, track, and engage surface combatants. By mimicking the radar cross-section and visual profile of likely adversaries, the PLAN can refine the performance of new anti-ship missiles, electronic warfare suites, and autonomous systems before deployment.

The development comes amid increased naval activity by the United States, Japan, and their allies in the western Pacific. More realistic target platforms raise the probability that Chinese weaponry will perform effectively against actual enemy warships in a potential conflict.