Chinese AI startups claim breakthroughs in tracking US stealth bombers and military bases

A Chinese AI startup has made bold claims about tracking US stealth bombers, raising questions among defence experts. Jingan Technology, based in Hangzhou, says it monitored B-2 aircraft in real time over Iran. The assertions come as China pushes for closer ties between civilian tech firms and military applications.

Another startup, MizarVision, recently released high-resolution satellite images of US military bases. Both cases highlight Beijing's growing focus on integrating AI into defence strategies. Jingan Technology was founded in 2021 by Shi Qiaomu, a former Alibaba engineer. The company initially worked on urban security systems before shifting toward military uses. Its latest claim—that it tracked B-2 bombers—has drawn scepticism.

Experts argue the startup's technology lacks proven capability. They dismiss the assertions as exaggerated, leaving doubts about the system's real-world effectiveness. No independent verification of the tracking claims has been provided.

China's government has actively supported AI startups with defence applications. Policies encourage civilian-military fusion, treating it as a key advantage in the global AI race. While exact figures remain unclear, state funding and deregulation have helped similar firms expand.

MizarVision's release of detailed satellite images adds to concerns about China's surveillance reach. The images show US bases, demonstrating how private companies contribute to military intelligence gathering.

Beijing's strategy reflects a broader push to blend commercial innovation with national security. Startups like Jingan and MizarVision serve as examples of this approach, even as their claims face scrutiny. The controversy over Jingan's tracking claims underscores the challenges in verifying AI-driven defence technologies. China's focus on merging civilian and military AI continues to accelerate, with state backing for startups in this sector.

MizarVision's satellite images and Jingan's assertions point to a trend: private firms playing a larger role in military intelligence. The long-term impact of these developments remains to be seen.