BEIJING — China has built full-size or near full-size mock-ups of U.S. and Japanese military aircraft and air-defense systems at a new test site in the Xinjiang desert near the Lop Nur range, according to recent commercial satellite imagery.
The imagery, collected by Vantor, was analyzed by open-source researcher Brady Africk and published on September 20, 2026. It shows replicas of F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, a Patriot air-defense battery and Japan's E-767 airborne early-warning and control (AWACS) aircraft.
New Test Site
The test pad was constructed during the previous year. An image dated January 25, 2026, shows the F-35 replicas, E-767 and air-defense equipment. Additional imagery shows the E-767 mock-up under construction in November 2025 and fully assembled by February 2026.
Some of the models have since been moved. Recent satellite imagery does not show visible damage to the newly identified targets.
Japanese E-767 Among the Targets
The E-767 is operated exclusively by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which has four aircraft. It provides long-range detection of air and sea targets, supports the coordination of friendly aircraft and performs command-and-control functions in the western Pacific.
The inclusion of the E-767 alongside F-35 and F-16 fighters and Patriot air-defense equipment places several systems operated by the United States and its regional partners at the same test area.
China's Earlier Mock Targets
Full-size or near full-size replicas can be used to test sensor detection, train military personnel and evaluate precision-strike effects. China has maintained similar target ranges in its western deserts for years.
Earlier satellite imagery has shown mock-ups resembling U.S. aircraft carriers and destroyers, with some mounted on rail systems that allow movement. Previous replicas of F-35 and F-22 fighters have also appeared at Chinese desert sites, with some showing damage consistent with weapons testing. An earlier E-767 replica was reportedly destroyed around 2022.
China has also constructed full-scale replicas of Taiwan's Presidential Office Building and surrounding administrative structures at the Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia. Additional street layouts matching parts of central Taipei were later added for ground-force training scenarios.
Purpose of the New Targets
The latest Xinjiang site forms part of a broader network of Chinese desert ranges used for weapons testing and military training. Analysts say such mock-ups can be used to practice locating, identifying and engaging specific airborne and ground-based targets.
The satellite imagery does not show visible evidence that the newly identified mock-ups have been subjected to live-fire testing. China has not issued an official statement explaining the purpose of the latest targets.
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