By Sumaila Zaman

Copyright india

China is taking all possible measures to step into the new role of becoming the most powerful nation in the world. The country has been developing and introducing multiple varieties of weapons creating security concerns for India and other adjacent countries. China presented its J-35A stealth fighter jet with an anti-radiation missile for the first time at the Air Show on Saturday. This display indicates clear signs that China is advancing its modern fighter jets to a stage beyond just traditional aerial engagements including missions involving electronic warfare.
Who unveiled the deadliest weapon equipped with an anti-radiation missile?
At the current air show in Jilin Province located in northeast China the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) presented a scale model of the J-35A with a number of missiles. These displayed missiles consisted of air-to-air missiles such as the PL-10E PL-15E and PL-12AE. But the most eye-catching was the LD-8A anti-radiation missile.
Wang Yanan the chief editor for Aerospace Knowledge Magazine in Beijing explained that an anti-radiation missile is a specific weapon that targets radar systems which emit electromagnetic waves. Anti-radiation missiles are capable of identifying and hitting the radiation source; however these missiles typically need electronic warfare aircraft with considerable sensors to first detect the radiation source as reported by Global Times.
When did China showcase this advanced weapon system?
The J-35A is being shown with the LD-8A missile indicating the potential for an electronic warfare version of this fighter jet. It could also be used in conjunction with electronic warfare aircraft in mission completion making Chinas aerial combat capacity potentially even more deadly.
The LD-8A missile has a similar design and dimensions to Chinas PL-15E air-to-air missile. According to the Global Times Wang noted that the LD-8A anti-radiation missile appears to be a possible derivative of the PL-15 series missile with an alternative seeker which detects and tracks a specific electromagnetic wave frequency.
Wang stated that considering the PL-15 platform and given the level of technology in Chinas electronic industry this type of missile ought to be at the forefront of the world.
The integration of advanced stealth jets such as the J-35A and anti-radiation missiles could shift the power balance in the Asia-Pacific. This could cause concern for the US and its allies as it shows China seems to be preparing for offensive as well as defensive operations.