Commercial satellite images captured by US company Vantor and analyzed by CNN on 11/7 show an object identified as a 1:1 scale model of a US arleigh burke-class destroyer, located in China's Taklamakan desert in the Xinjiang autonomous region.

According to CNN, the model measures approximately 155 m in length and is "remarkably similar to a US destroyer", featuring a helicopter landing pad at the stern, vertical launch systems, a superstructure housing radar and communication complexes, and a naval gun at the bow.

A model of an arleigh burke-class warship in the Xinjiang desert, China, in an image released on 11/7. Photo: Vantor

A model of an arleigh burke-class warship in the Xinjiang desert, China, in an image released on 11/7. Photo: Vantor

"These details suggest it is a meticulously crafted, full-scale replica of one of the US's main guided-missile destroyers", CNN noted.

The arleigh burke-class destroyer is considered the backbone of the US Navy, with over 75 ships in service. It is designed around the aegis combat system, one of the most advanced combat systems globally.

According to CNN, arleigh burke-class destroyers would be among the first warships Washington deploys if conflict erupts between the US and China over Taiwan.

Han Xu, director of a security and defense research institute in Taiwan, believes China aims to "prepare for all contingencies" by investing significant effort into creating such a detailed model.

"The Chinese military possesses both high-angle ballistic missiles and horizontal cruise missiles for anti-ship missions. They are seeking to combine both and enhance their anti-access/area denial capabilities", Han stated, suggesting this serves as a target for Beijing to test missiles.

This expert believes China is seeking to improve the accuracy of its hypersonic anti-ship missiles, which it unveiled at a parade in Beijing last year. The model is equipped with multiple antennas to simulate the radar reflection signals of US warships, helping Chinese soldiers practice detection, identification, and targeting.

Basic specifications of the arleigh burke-class warship. Graphic: Viet Chung

Basic specifications of the arleigh burke-class warship. Graphic: Viet Chung

Xinjiang is also where China previously deployed flat models of US aircraft carriers and destroyers a few years ago. These were even placed on rails to move at speeds comparable to real ships.

Open-source intelligence data analyst Joseph Wen stated this is the first time China has erected a 3D model. "I think this is quite surprising. This structure is very large", Wen said, suggesting China wants to send a message that it is always ready for conflict.

Under President Xi Jinping, China has invested heavily in military modernization efforts, spanning from aircraft carriers and nuclear weapons to AI technology. The Chinese military has also long conducted training using targets simulating various objectives, including US military assets and structures on Taiwan island.

Pham Giang (According to CNN, Times of India, NDTV)