China Plans to Blunt U.S. Carrier Groups with Electronic Attack

China is reportedly developing electronic warfare capabilities aimed at neutralizing U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups in the event of a conflict, according to a report in Defence Industry Conversion in China.

This development highlights the increasing focus of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on electronic countermeasures as a key component of future naval engagements. The PLA has identified U.S. military radars, sensors, and communication systems as primary targets for its electronic warfare arsenal. These findings, outlined by Mo Jiaqian, an expert with the PLA’s 92728 Unit, emphasize the vulnerabilities of critical U.S. systems, particularly those supporting the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC). The CEC is integral to the air defense and early warning functions of U.S. Navy carrier groups, enabling fleet-wide coordination and resource sharing.

According to the South China Morning Post, Mo’s report highlights a key weakness in the CEC system: its reliance on wireless communication links. “When the opposing force employs electronic interference, the wireless links are prone to disconnection or disruption,” Mo explained.

In June, China and the U.S. reportedly engaged in a 12-hour electronic warfare confrontation near the Northern Philippines, with reports suggesting Beijing emerged as the dominant force. The U.S. fleet and aircraft experienced severe electronic interference, losing GPS signals and communications, forcing a withdrawal to avoid reputational damage. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of modern navies to electronic warfare, drawing comparisons to sensory deprivation.

Specific U.S. Systems Under Threat

The AN/SPY-1 phased array radar, used on Aegis-equipped vessels, is a primary target for Chinese electronic warfare. In service for over 40 years and produced by Lockheed Martin, this radar could face challenges from modern technologies, including drones that can create false targets and noise. Such tactics can degrade the radar's accuracy and reduce the overall effectiveness of the CEC network.

The E-2C Hawkeye, a carrier-based early warning aircraft, is also identified as a key vulnerability. This platform is essential for coordinating fleet operations and gathering intelligence. Disabling or disrupting the Hawkeye's capabilities could impair the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness.

Furthermore, PLA researchers are exploring methods to exploit U.S. military signal transponders. By mimicking friendly responses or overloading network nodes with identification requests, adversaries could infiltrate or disrupt the CEC system.

Civil-Military Integration in China

China’s dominance in the production of electronic devices plays a significant role in its military advancements. A recent study revealed that over 90 percent of new civilian technologies in China can be adapted for military purposes. This dual-use capability has accelerated the integration of civilian and defense industries, even as the U.S. continues to impose sanctions on Chinese enterprises.

While these sanctions have aimed to curb China’s technological growth, they have also unintentionally spurred greater collaboration between civilian tech firms and the defense sector.