In mid-June 2025, Chinese researchers unveiled what they claim is the world’s first 6G-enabled electronic warfare (EW) system, capable of intercepting radar signals and generating over 3,600 false targets in real time, specifically targeting the radar systems of stealth aircraft like the F‑35 Lightning II.
This EW capability marks a breakthrough, integrating full-duplex jamming and communication on the same frequency—an unprecedented feature that blurs the line between traditional jamming systems and secure battlefield communications.
🛠️ Technical Features & Capabilities
- Photonics-based core: Utilizes microwave-photonic architecture to intercept enemy radar signals and replicate them, injecting false “ghost” targets to confuse AESA radars operating in the 12 GHz X‑band used by F‑35’s AN/APG‑85 radar.
- Simultaneous communication & jamming: Enables data links with over 300 cooperative platforms, serving as both jammer and command node.
- Real-time spoofing: Generates thousands of delayed clones of intercepted radar signals to overwhelm operator situational awareness systems.
- Defense integration: Likely intended for deployment across ground platforms, EW aircraft like the J‑16D, and naval or cyber-operations units.
🌐 Strategic Implications
US Stealth Capability at Risk
If validated, this system could significantly degrade operational effectiveness of US stealth platforms by overwhelming their radar inputs with fake targets, potentially nullifying the F‑35’s stealth advantage
Indo-Pacific Power Shift
Military planners in Japan, Taiwan, and India—all F‑35 operators—may need to rethink their radar and EW defenses to mitigate spoofing threats in contested airspaces.
Escalating Arms Race
China’s move pressures the US and NATO to accelerate deployment of advanced anti-jamming technologies and AI-enhanced anomaly detection systems. It also raises demand for critical materials like gallium nitride, essential for GaN-based RF electronics
🧠 Broader EW Context in China’s Arsenal
China continues scaling up its electronic warfare capabilities in multi-domain settings:
- The J‑15D carrierborne EW aircraft, showcased at Airshow China, mirrors the U.S. EA-18G Growler in jamming and escort roles aboard aircraft carriers.
- Tank-mounted EW pods from NORINCO address low-altitude drone threats, integrating multi-layered counter-UAS defense systems.
- The PLA’s newly developed military-grade 5G network, capable of linking over 10,000 robotic systems across challenging terrain with sub‑15 ms latency, supports wider “intelligent warfare” strategies.
📊 Snapshot Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| System | 6G-powered EW weapon |
| Jamming Capability | Generates 3,600+ false radar targets at 12 GHz+ to deceive F‑35 radars |
| Communication Role | Full-duplex data and jamming via photonic core; links with 300+ platforms via fiber optics |
| Deployment Options | Expected ground deployable, airborne (J‑16D), maritime and cyber‑networked EW hubs |
| Strategic Impact | Threatens stealth aircraft operations, forces regional AW strategy shifts, and intensifies Western countermeasures development |
🏛️ Next Steps & Open Questions
- Deployment status unknown: While industrial trials reportedly began after $10M in funding, no public proof of active system use has been shared.
- Verification needed: Independent analyst scrutiny and field tests are required to gauge real-world efficacy.
- Global response likely: U.S., NATO, and regional allies could revise EW protocols, radar designs, and training regimens to counter AI-driven spoofing threats.
✅ Summary
China’s unveiling of the first public 6G-enabled EW system capable of jamming and spoofing F‑35 radar in real time represents a milestone in electromagnetic warfare. With AI-enabled spoofing and simultaneous communication, the platform signals a major shift in EW doctrines and intensifies the technological contest between Beijing and Western military powers.
