Still image from US Navy video purportedly showing Chinese dredging vessels around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters/File Photo
China deploys aerostat airship to Mischief Reef in South China Sea
Satellite imagery shows what appears to be an aerostat deployed above the Chinese outpost on Mischief Reef in the South China Sea.
The aerostat could be part of a broader surveillance network to keep an eye on the area as China seeks to enforce territorial claims its neighbors, and the US, reject.
China deploys aerostat in South China Sea
A satellite image
shows that an unmanned, tethered aerostat has been deployed to Mischief Reef, one of the largest of the artificial islands constructed by China amongst the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
The image, which was captured on 18 November, was sourced by ImageSat International (ISI).
The aerostat
is likely to be carrying a radar and its elevated position would significantly extend the radar horizon and therefore increase the area that can be monitored, particularly for surface vessels.
China has been developing aerostats for military use for about 20 years, although the type deployed to Mischief Reef cannot be positively identified.
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https://www.janes.com/article/92935/china-deploys-aerostat-in-south-china-sea