A report from the Chinese think tank “South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative” states that a WC-135R nuclear strategic reconnaissance aircraft, belonging to the US Air Force, took off from the Kadena Base in Japan. It then entered China’s East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and approached the coast, flying along a route closely parallel to commercial flight paths. Military analysts speculate that this US reconnaissance mission might be aimed at monitoring movements of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) nuclear submarine fleet, or possibly surveying the Fujian aircraft carrier.
Flight records released publicly show that the WC-135R, while nearing the airspace around Shanghai, made a significant directional change, veering toward the open sea. It later returned to its original flight path after distancing itself from Shanghai.
It is noted that the US Air Force currently operates only three WC-135R nuclear strategic reconnaissance aircraft, predominantly used for missions related to nuclear monitoring. This aircraft type has previously been spotted near Ukraine, raising suspicions of monitoring potential Russian tactical nuclear weapon deployment. Following Japan’s announcement of releasing Fukushima’s nuclear-contaminated water, the WC-135R also flew near Fukushima, likely monitoring atmospheric radioactivity.
A mainland military column, “HaoWai Student,” analyzed on September 7th the recent approach of WC-135R to Chinese airspace, suggesting two possible missions. First, it might be to monitor the PLA Rocket Force or the nuclear submarine fleet. Given the recent US launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, the appearance of the WC-135R might be to gauge the PLA’s reaction to this strategic weapon test.
Secondly, the reconnaissance could be timed with the impending sea trials of China’s first electromagnetic aircraft launch system carrier, the “Fujian.” Recognizing the Fujian as the world’s first non-US-manufactured “super aircraft carrier,” it naturally garners significant interest from the US military.
The military column opined that given the trajectory adjustments of the WC-135R, the latter possibility seems more plausible. The “Fujian” is currently undergoing final fitting at the Shanghai Jiangnan Changxing Shipyard, edging closer to its maiden sea voyage.
Further elaborating, the column speculated that the sudden change in the WC-135R’s trajectory near Shanghai, moving away from the Chinese coastline, might be due to unexpected developments. Possible scenarios include receiving warnings from the PLA or even being closely monitored by PLA fighter jets. This would explain the aircraft’s decision to distance itself from Shanghai before resuming its original flight path.