China’s new ‘eyes in sky’: How KJ-3000 is building Beijing’s airborne surveillance edge

China’s innovative KJ-3000 airborne early warning aircraft, derived from the Y-20B transport, represents a pivotal enhancement in aerial defense with its state-of-the-art digital radar and powerful capabilities. This strategic advancement strengthens China’s already formidable surveillance ecosystem, which boasts over 60 KJ-500 aircraft. As the US military grapples with modernization issues, China’s rapid advancements in airborne battle management are poised to shift the airpower landscape significantly.