China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly developed a “hit list” aimed at neutralizing U.S. Navy carrier strike groups, a move that could significantly compromise the Navy’s defensive systems in a conflict scenario. The plan focuses on electronic warfare and drone-based tactics to confuse or overwhelm U.S. forces, according to a report in Defence Industry Conversion in China cited by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The report, authored by PLA electronic countermeasures expert Mo Jiaqian, examines vulnerabilities in the U.S. Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system. The CEC is a critical framework enabling U.S. Navy ships to share information and coordinate air defense resources. This system’s ability to integrate phased array radars and wireless communication links is vital for early threat detection and response. However, the report highlights that this strength can also be a liability.
Jiaqian claims the CEC’s reliance on wireless communication makes it susceptible to disruption through electronic interference. Drones could be deployed to generate “noise” and false targets, potentially overwhelming key systems like the AN/SPY-1 phased array radar on AEGIS ships. Such interference could cripple the CEC’s effectiveness, leaving carrier groups vulnerable to incoming attacks.
Additionally, the report identifies the E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft as a priority target. Neutralizing this aircraft would weaken an aircraft carrier’s defensive network. The document also outlines strategies for hacking into the CEC network, suggesting that infiltration or continuous access requests could disrupt its operation.
Although the PLA’s motivations for publishing the paper are still unknown, it raises concerns about the viability of these capabilities and whether they are only a psychological ploy to prevent American military intervention. The ramifications of such sophisticated electronic warfare underscore how contemporary naval warfare is changing and how cybersecurity is becoming more and more crucial to defense plans.