f-22 raptor
© REUTERS/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. GruenwaldUS F-22 Raptor stealth jet
The Chinese military is said to have developed capabilities which allow Beijing to detect and track some of the best aircraft in Washington's arsenal, including the fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors, which some have called virtually undetectable.

An upgraded version of the Chinese Phased Array Radar, as well as the KJ-2000 and KJ-500 airborne early warning and control systems could well cope with the task, People's Daily Online reported, citing military expert Yin Zhuo.

The remarks came after unconfirmed reports surfaced that the Chinese military detected F-22s over the East China Sea. The PLA is said to have sent helicopters and a warship to the area. In addition, fighter jets were prepared to join other forces if requested.

The incident took place on February 10.

Initial reports did not specify the type of the aircraft or the country the plane belonged to, but Yin Zhuo mentioned that if the planes were F-22s then the Chinese could track them.

"In fact - it's very possible that China can track the Raptor. Stealth is not a cloak of invisibility, after all. Stealth technology simply delays detection and tracking," defense expert Dave Majumdar wrote for the National Interest. "Even combat-configured F-22s are not invisible to enemy radar, contrary to popular belief."