Under the night sky, the battlefield over the South China Sea seemed eerily silent, with only the roar of fighter jets and the pulsing signals of electronic warfare interference echoing through the air.
Song Xu’s J-31C “Leiying” fighter jet weaved through the high-altitude airspace, his HUD (Heads-Up Display) flashing with constantly updating tactical data. He knew this mission was far more challenging than any before—it was their task to prevent the U.S. bombers from completing their tactical deployment. However, the situation was deteriorating rapidly.
“Leiying squadron, target confirmed! All units, assume attack positions!”
The command from the carrier’s control center echoed through the communication channel. Every pilot held their breath, adjusting their aircraft’s attitude and preparing for combat.
But at the very moment the battle began, the U.S. counterattack was far more intense than they had anticipated!
As the Leiying squadron closed in on the target area, the electromagnetic environment of the battlefield abruptly shifted—radar signals were drowned out by powerful jamming waves emitted by EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The tactical data link was briefly lost, plunging the fighters’ electronic systems into chaos.
“Warning! Enemy jamming is blocking our radar!”
Shen Xue’s voice carried a hint of urgency. The tactical data on their screens flickered wildly—U.S. forces had deployed a multilayered electronic warfare blockade. Not only were the EA-18Gs jamming their systems, but MQ-25 electronic warfare drones were also transmitting interference signals from afar, severely crippling the Chinese Air Force’s situational awareness systems.
“Switch to Dark Star system! Engage passive detection mode!”
Song Xu swiftly adjusted their tactics, switching to quantum electronic monitoring mode, hoping to bypass the U.S. interference barriers. However, even the Dark Star system could only partially restore their detection capabilities—the enemy’s electronic warfare was far beyond expectations, and they had completely sealed off this airspace!
“The enemy was prepared in advance! Our tactics have been exposed!”
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While their electronic systems struggled, six F-35I stealth fighters rapidly closed in, their long-range AIM-120D missiles already locked onto their targets. The first salvo had been fired!
“Incoming missiles! Evade! Evade!”
The aerial battle erupted in an instant!
Four AIM-120D missiles streaked toward the Leiying squadron at high speeds. Song Xu yanked the control stick, forcing his jet into a high-G lateral evasive maneuver while deploying flares and electronic countermeasures, attempting to break the missile lock.
However, the U.S. missiles were equipped with active radar terminal guidance, continuously adjusting their trajectories as they homed in on the Leiying squadron’s exhaust trails with pinpoint accuracy.
Boom!
Leiying-4 was hit, the fighter torn apart midair as the pilot ejected in an emergency escape.
“Leiying-4 is down!”
On the other flank, Leiying-5 was also caught in the missile blast. Though the aircraft didn’t disintegrate immediately, its hydraulic system suffered critical damage, forcing the pilot to withdraw from the battle.
“They’re picking us off one by one!”
Shen Xue’s voice was filled with anxiety.
In just a few minutes, the Leiying squadron had already lost two aircraft. The situation was spiraling out of control!
“Leiying squadron, we must break through the blockade immediately, or we’re all finished!”
Song Xu understood that if the B-21 bombers successfully reached the carrier battle group, this mission would be a complete failure.
Gritting his teeth, he gave the order: “Leiying-2 team, force a breakthrough! Destroy the B-21 bombers!”
Leiying-3 and Leiying-6 immediately adjusted their course, accelerating toward the distant bomber formation.
However, the U.S. strategy was precise and deadly. Just as Leiying-2 team breached the F-35I fighter screen, the B-21 bombers suddenly altered their course, engaging deeper stealth mode!
“Warning! The B-21s have switched to stealth flight paths! We’ve completely lost them on radar!”
Leiying-2 team was stunned to realize that their fire control radars could no longer lock onto the targets. It was all part of the enemy’s carefully planned trap!
The U.S. forces had deliberately exposed the B-21s’ flight path to lure the Leiying squadron into an ambush zone!
As Leiying-2 team accelerated to pursue, four F-35Is suddenly closed in from the rear, forming a lethal crossfire.
“We’re ambushed! F-35Is are encircling us from behind!”
“Evade! Evade!—Ah!”
Boom!
Leiying-6 was struck and exploded into a fireball, the pilot’s fate unknown.
Leiying-3 barely managed to pull up, attempting to escape the encirclement, but with enemy fighters forming a deadly kill zone, there was no way out.
“Retreat! Retreat!”
Song Xu’s heart sank—he realized that this battle was already lost.
“Leiying squadron, disengage immediately! Return to the carrier!”
He watched helplessly as the U.S. B-21 bombers broke through the blockade, successfully entering their bombing run.
Moments later, the night sky was lit up by a series of explosions. The U.S. precision strike had begun, targeting the Shandong carrier battle group!
Massive fireballs erupted over the sea, the carrier’s air defense systems scrambling to intercept the incoming munitions. But the U.S. airstrike had already pierced through the first layer of defenses.
This battle was a complete defeat.