How Chinese radio-electronic recognition ships work. Liaowang-1 and global data collection network

The presence of a radio-electronic recognition vessel Liaowang-1 The Navy of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLAN) in the waters of the Oman Gulf drew the attention of military analysts. Units of this class belong to the most specialized electromagnetic data collection platforms, capable of observing military activities on vast waters.

Importantly, the emergence of such ships near areas of international tension is not a new phenomenon. Beijing has been using it for years as a tool for systematically collecting information on other states' military activities.

Space program support ships – or just?

Although Chinese sources officially classify type units Liaowang as space program support ships, the operational reality is much more complex.

In practice, this means that they are expanded platforms Investigations Radio-electronic. These ships may capture radar emissions, analyse military communications and monitor the activity of weapon systems in an electromagnetic environment.

The key element of their operation is the ability to record and analyse signals emitted by ship and aircraft radar, anti-aircraft defence systems and military communications networks.

The difference, however, is that the ship operates this activity from the sea – often in the immediate vicinity of intense military activity.

Electromagnetic recognition from the sea

The basis for the operation of ships such as Liaowang-1 is electromagnetic detection, including radar capture (ELINT) and military communications (COMINT), included in the broad signal recognition (SIGINT).

Each radar or communication system leaves a characteristic "signature" in the electromagnetic space. After its capture and analysis, it is possible to determine the type of system, the parameters of its operation, and often the location of the emission source.

In practice, this meant the ability to identify the work of ship and aircraft radars, analyse military communications and record the characteristics of signals emitted by anti-aircraft defence systems and fire management systems.

Interestingly, such data often have more value than a single visual observation of a ship or aircraft.

Floating data analysis centres

Identification vessels radioelectronic They stand out for their distinctive shape. On their decks are numerous directional antennas and large domes protecting radar antennas and telemetry systems.

Inside the ship there are extensive analytical centers. This is where the immediate analysis of intercepted signals takes place and their comparison with databases containing characteristics of known radiolocation systems.

So the ship can simultaneously track hundreds of electromagnetic emissions. In many cases this allows to determine the presence of specific types of warships, aircraft or anti-aircraft defense systems operating in a given area.

Why such individuals appear in conflict areas

From an operational perspective, the appearance of a ship like Liaowang-1 It's not random in the Middle East.

The Oman Gulf and the Strait of Ormuz are among the most monitored waters of the world. US Navy ships operate there, Navy European countries and the maritime forces of the countries of the region.

For the radio-electronic recognition unit, this environment is almost perfect.

Although the presence of such ships rarely attracts public attention, they provide an extremely valuable source of information for military planners about the way the opposing systems operate.

Global recognition network

Appearance Liaowang-1 In Middle Eastern waters, China's wider trend in building global recognition architecture.

Polish Navy The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLAN) has been developing a fleet of specialized units for collecting electromagnetic data for years. These ships appear near military exercises, rocket tests and in areas of international tension.

Importantly, this is not a Beijing-specific solution. Western states' fleets have also been using specialised reconnaissance units for decades to monitor enemy military activity and analyse the electromagnetic environment. However, the difference lies in the scale of ambition – China builds today a system capable of conducting such a diagnosis on a global level.

Despite media interest, their presence is primarily analytical.

In modern conflicts, the information advantage is as important as the military advantage.

Mariusz Dasiewicz – publisher of the Shipyard Portal. He deals with the issues of the Polish Navy and shipbuilding industry. In his texts he focuses on modernisation programs of the navy and issues related to the development of the maritime security of Poland. It focuses on a factual analysis and transparency of the decision-making process.