TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense on Monday released footage showing an Air Force fighter jet and a Navy vessel tracking PLA aircraft and ships during China’s ongoing exercises.

In response to China’s “Justice Mission 2025” joint military exercises, the ministry posted a short video titled “Resilient Taiwan. Steadfast Defense” on social media, per CNA. The ministry also disclosed footage showing an Air Force F-16V Block 20 tracking a PLA Shenyang J-16 and a Navy Cheng Kung-class frigate, the Tian Dan, monitoring the PLA Navy’s Type 054A frigate, the Anyang.

The F-16V used the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod to monitor the J-16. Images previously released during the PLA’s “Joint Sword–2024A” drills indicated that F-16s could maintain targeting while maneuvering.

Shu Hsiao-huang (舒孝煌), an associate research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the AN/AAQ-33 is a passive sensor that emits no signals, meaning PLA aircraft may be unaware they are being tracked or locked on. At the right distance, an AIM-9X Sidewinder could be launched to shoot down the target, giving Taiwan a tactical advantage.

Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), a division director at the institute, said the AN/AAQ-33 combines search and targeting functions, unlike the older LANTIRN system. Its dual-band electro-optical sensors can detect air-to-ground targets at about 87 km and air-to-air targets up to 187 km.

This allows Taiwan’s F-16s to lock onto PLA aircraft from a distance without triggering radar warnings, Su said.