China launches three Diting-01 satellites for space-based electronic warfare
Quick Look
China launched three Diting-01 satellites aboard a Lijian-1 Y18 rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on September 22, 2026, to track enemy warships, hidden radars and electronic jammers using space-based electronic warfare capabilities.
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Why It Matters
China has been advancing its space-based military capabilities, including electronic warfare satellites, to strengthen its strategic position in potential conflicts.
The trio of satellites, named after an all-hearing mythical beast, can track enemy warships, hidden radars and electronic jammers
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Zhang Tongin Beijing
Published: 9:30am, 23 Sep 2026
China has just taken a quiet but critical step in space-based electronic warfare.
A Lijian-1 Y18 rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China at noon on Sunday, carrying nine satellites. Among them were three Diting-01 satellites, which successfully entered their planned orbit.
The trio is named after Diting, a beast from Chinese mythology that crouches beneath the desk of Ksitigarbha, the bodhisattva of the underworld, and can identify all things simply by listening.
The name perfectly captures what these satellites are designed to do.
Open Questions
- What specific electronic warfare functions do the Diting-01 satellites perform?
- How many Diting-01 satellites are planned for deployment?
- Which adversaries is China targeting with this capability?
