Force Modernization and Chinese Aerospace Power

Research and development-related writings may also provide insight into evolving joint aerospace power concepts. To close the gap between aspi – rational theory and capabilities, the PLA has made significant investments in force modernization over the last 20 years. Looking beyond traditional fixed – wing aircraft and ballistic and land attack cruise missiles, Chinese analysts view the realm between the atmosphere and space as a new area of global com­petition. An integrated sensor-to-shooter architecture would serve as a foun­dation for aerospace operations.

Over the next 10-15 years, visionaries hope to successfully leapfrog de­velopment and leverage the merging of aviation and space and missile tech­nologies.56 The PLA General Armaments Department provides overall force modernization policy guidance and likely serves as approval authority for ser­vice-level R&D and acquisition contracting.57 The GAD’s Science and Tech­nology Committee has formed at least 20 national-level technology working groups and defense R&D laboratories around the country. Presumably, the purpose is to leverage and pool resources to review progress, advise GAD on resource allocation, and learn how to overcome technological bottlenecks. Individual GAD-led technology working groups include the following:

■ General Missile Technology58

■ Precision Guidance Technology59

■ Computer and Software Technology

■ Satellite Technology

■ Radar Sensor Technology

■ Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology60

■ Communications, Navigation, and Tracking Technology61

■ Integrated Military Electronics and Information Systems Technology62

■ Simulation Technology

■ Stealth Technology63

■ Opto-Electronics Technology

■ Aircraft Technology

■ Target Characteristics and Signal Control

■ Inertial Technology.

A shift in acquisition responsibilities may facilitate in leveraging advanc­es in many of these basic technologies. Since at least 2003, service-level acqui­sition authorities have assumed many of the responsibilities that previously re­sided within GAD. While GAD likely retains policy and approval authority, the formation of the Second Artillery Equipment Research Academy (~ШШ& ЭДЙЮ and PLAAF Equipment Research Academy is intend­

ed to integrate the various research institutes within the services and empow­er Equipment Departments to better translate conceptual aerospace campaign theory into operational requirements, oversee industrial research and develop­ment, and supervise operational test and evaluation.64

A senior PLAAF Equipment Research Academy representative respon­sible for requirements development outlined the integrated aerospace priori­ties as follows:65

■ air-launched precision strike munitions incorporating new forms of propulsion for hypersonic long-range strike

■ advanced guidance systems furnishing increased precision

■ advanced hard-and-soft-kill munitions capable of neutralizing deep, buried targets and paralyzing electronics via high-power microwave (HPM) projection

■ extended range air-to-air missiles capable of countering airborne sur­veillance aircraft and stand-off jammer platforms

■ new generation, long-range air defense assets, including endo – and exoatmospheric missile defenses able to engage tactical ballistic missiles.

Along similar lines, senior PLAAF leaders have outlined force develop­ment priorities, including the capacity to carry out long-range precision strike, an ability to attain local or limited air superiority, stealth, “full spectrum” air and missile defense, new “trump card” weapons systems, long-range

airlift (ШМЙЙ), and unmanned aerial vehicles.66 Over time, PLAAF capabili­ties are likely to expand more rapidly than in the past. For example, PLAAF Deputy Commander He Weirong outlined the PLAAF’s intent to procure a next-generation fighter over the next 8 to 10 years.67 Research, development, test, and evaluation investment is underway on developing and fielding ad­vanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and the GAD has a dedicated expert working group with the purpose of achieving breakthroughs in stealth technology.68

Key R&D, systems integration, and manufacturers for aerospace sys­tems include three space and missile groups: the China Aerospace Corporation (CASC), China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Since the 1950s, priority has been granted to the space and missile industry (e. g., CASC and CASIC), with the aviation industry viewed as relatively backward. The aviation industry’s R&D and manufacturing management practices are at least in part to blame for its rela­tive backwardness.69 The assignment of space and missile industry leaders to key national defense and aviation industry positions, specifically the country’s large passenger aircraft program, reflects the confidence senior political leaders have in the PRC space industry and shortcomings in the aviation establishment.70