### Tensions Rise as Taiwanese F-16s Lock On to Chinese Jets During Military Exercise

Taiwanese F-16 fighter jets locked onto Chinese J-15 combat aircraft using the "Sniper" targeting pod during a Chinese military exercise near Taiwan on Monday, as shown in a video released by Taiwan's Youth Daily News. This state-published newspaper, which specializes in defense matters, showcased the precision monitoring by Taiwanese jets of Chinese aircraft movements.

The Chinese military's Joint Sword-2024B exercise involved the army, navy, air force, and rocket force conducting drills around Taiwan. These exercises focused on patrolling critical ports, establishing blockades, and executing assaults on sea and land targets. Notably, the CNS Liaoning, China's first operational aircraft carrier, launched its J-15 fighter jets into the waters off Taiwan’s east coast. These carrier-based aircraft, armed with precision weapons, boast an estimated range of 2,174 miles.

The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, developed by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is a highly advanced system that allows for the detection, tracking, and ranging of air and surface targets. It also supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The U.S. Air Force has touted its capabilities, emphasizing its proficiency in long-range target detection and identification, enabling aircrews to spot weapon caches and armed individuals outside jet noise ranges. Globally, the Sniper system is one of the most integrated targeting pods, compatible with numerous American and foreign combat aircraft, including Taiwan's F-16 fleet.

The F-16 fleet of Taiwan received significant upgrades following a Pentagon announcement in September 2011 of an arms deal worth $5.3 billion. This deal included the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, known in the U.S. as AN/AAQ-33. The enhancements were intended to bolster the defensive capabilities of Taiwan’s borders and maintain regional military balance.

While details of the F-16 and J-15 encounter location remain unclear, Japan's Defense Ministry reported the CNS Liaoning was recently stationed in waters southeast of Taiwan. Meanwhile, Youth Daily News also reported the deployment of Taiwan’s domestically-developed Rui Yuan drones for real-time reconnaissance of nearby Chinese naval and coast guard vessels.

On Tuesday, Taiwan's Defense Ministry disclosed that from 5 a.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, 153 Chinese military aircraft operated around the island. Of these, 111 aircraft breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait, approaching Taiwanese airspace. The Chinese Joint Sword-2024B exercise spanned 13 hours, involving 14 naval vessels and 12 official ships navigating waters around Taiwan.

As tensions escalate in the Taiwan Strait, the international community watches closely, awaiting responses from the involved parties.