China has carried out extensive upgrades to its surveillance and electronic warfare systems across its Spratly Islands outposts to improve its intelligence gathering in the South China Sea, according to an American think tank.
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative under the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in a report on Tuesday that satellite images revealed new and upgraded radar sites, antenna fields and other reinforced electronic warfare installations at Mischief, Subi and Fiery Cross reefs.
“These upgrades underscore the fact that a major function of China’s bases is to provide unparalleled [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] coverage of the South China Sea, supporting the operations of China’s coastguard and navy in peacetime,” the report said.
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It could also allow “Beijing to contest the use of the electromagnetic spectrum by others in the event of a conflict”.
According to the think tank, new paved antenna arrays and coordinated vehicle units carrying jamming and sensing equipment had been deployed, with other fixed monopole networks, direction-finding layouts and mobile electronic warfare platforms.
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“Beijing is also investing in support facilities for equipment with more kinetic potential,” the report said.
Reinforced artillery positions at Mischief Reef, many of which remain empty, could be used to host mobile rocket launchers or other strike systems, it said.