A mysterious series of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) has been spotted in President Trump’s motorcade during his recent trip to China. Seemingly sporting strange rooftop structures, these vehicles are causing something of a stir in the news cycle.

Made by a company called Hongji, little is known about these vehicles, notably their purpose. First spotted in Beijing on Wednesday (May 13) during the President’s trip to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping, footage of them has been doing the rounds on social media.

According to The War Zone (TWZ), the U.S. Secret Service has confirmed it was not the operator of the SUVs, but could neither confirm nor deny whether they belonged to the US Embassy in China services or the Chinese government.

As for the modified vehicles in question, apart from the obvious roof structures, they appear to sit low, indicating they are probably very heavy. The roof structures are believed to house some kind of specialist equipment.

Strange SUVs spotted in Beijing

Several were spotted, each in multiple positions within the motorcade. It is noted that they don’t appear to resemble any previously known Chinese security vehicles, which is curious.

According to the TWZ, the cars are likely some form of mobile communications vehicles disguised as SUVs. They may also carry some kind of electronic warfare (EW) tools or could be anti-drone platforms, or may act as mobile command posts of some kind.

Of the options listed, the most likely is EW platforms to provide drone jamming, radio and GPS signal disruptors, and hostile communication interference. Such systems tend to need large power supplies, cooling gear, and antenna arrays, which could explain the large roof structures.

Whatever the case, these vehicles are a very visual representation of how modern VIP protection is changing rapidly. Especially in a world where drones, electronic surveillance, signal interception, remote-triggered explosives, and loitering munitions are becoming more commonplace.

For this reason, traditional armored limousines are no longer enough. Especially in a world where drones can be used for assassination attempts on public leaders.

The motorcade also included other modified vehicles of some interest, including what appeared to be a modified Lincoln Navigator. This particular vehicle had mounted antennae, what appears to be a sensor turret, and other roof structures.

Motorcades changing in an evolving world

Like the Chinese SUV, little is publicly known about it beyond speculation of its role as a mobile communications relay. It may also be used for surveillance or other EW support.

The motorcade also featured a modified Chevrolet Suburban that resembled other US Presidential vehicles called “Roadrunners.” Like other SUVs mentioned, these are known to act as rolling communications hubs and mobile command/control nodes.

Other vehicles of interest included what appeared to be a modified Ford E-Series transport. TWZ notes these are likely used as rapid response vehicles or to counter-assault team transporters.

They may also act as equipment carriers or a mobile lighting/comms platform. Such vehicles are known to be used by Chinese authorities for riot control, for example.

These particular vehicles also sported cone-like roof structures likely housing antennae, sensors, RF emitters, or cameras. However, no one really knows for sure.