Shannon Brandao
Shannon's excerpt from the article: "Business Insider [excerpt]: New #satellite images have captured what appears to be a mock-up of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier on a range in a Chinese desert.
The carrier-shaped object, like some of the others in the area, is likely there for target practice, allowing #China to test its increasingly formidable missile force and may highlight Chinese efforts to build a force capable of keeping American #warships at bay.
The satellite images, which were taken on January 1 by Planet Labs, show the apparent target in the Taklamakan Desert. The suspected target appears to match the shape, size, and certain details of the USS Gerald R. Ford, according to The War Zone, which first reported the satellite images.
The Planet Labs images show the island, more aft than Nimitz-class carriers, and the four catapult tracks marked on the model's deck. The design is consistent with that of the Ford, and the shape is over 1,000 feet long.
Work on the model began in November 2023, according to The War Zone's review of past #satelliteimagery. An outline has been present for a while before a more detailed target was erected.
The range in the Taklamakan Desert, located in the Ruoqiang area of Xinjiang in northwest China, is an area for what is believed to be missile-strike training. Satellite images have repeatedly documented what look to be models of US warships in the area.
In one instance, satellite images back in October 2021 captured what appeared to be a warship target on a rail system that could move back and forth.
In the #IndoPacific region, the US #Navy regularly operates aircraft carriers and other warships, routinely patrolling waters and frequently conducting military exercises. These activities at times cause friction with China.
In the event of a conflict, it is expected that China would target US carriers given their high-profile status and role."
#news #geopolitics