China Builds US Navy Destroyer Replica for Missile Tests

The Government of China has constructed a full-scale replica of a United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer at the Ruoqiang Test Range in Xinjiang. Satellite imagery reveals that the mockup is mounted on a 6-metre-wide rail system, which enables the military to simulate a moving maritime target for target acquisition and missile-seeking tests.

The facility incorporates multiple sensors positioned on and around the vessel targets to measure accuracy and system performance. Defense analysts indicate that these efforts are part of a broader strategy by Beijing to strengthen its anti-ship missile capabilities. The project is designed to improve the military's ability to target hostile naval forces in the event of a future conflict.