China has developed a 5G mobile base station tailored for military applications

China has developed a 5G mobile base station tailored for military applications, marking a significant advancement in battlefield communications. The station has successfully passed field tests and is now ready for deployment within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It offers high-speed, low-latency, and reliable data transmission, supporting up to 10,000 users within a 3-kilometer radius. Even when PLA units move at speeds up to 80 km/h through challenging terrains, including mountains and urban areas, and face electronic warfare interference, the station maintains uninterrupted operation. It achieves a total throughput of 10 Gigabits per second with latency under 15 milliseconds.

The PLA development paves the way for the extensive deployment of intelligent combat machines. China is constructing a substantial force of unmanned systems, including drones, robotic dogs, and other automated combat platforms, which are anticipated to outnumber human soldiers in future conflicts. Existing military communication technologies struggle to meet the substantial data exchange requirements of these robotic units.

The military-grade 5G system differs significantly from its civilian counterpart. The PLA necessitates continuous communication even in the absence of ground base stations or when satellite signals are compromised. Additionally, antenna heights on communication vehicles are restricted to 3 meters to prevent collisions with obstacles like buildings or trees, which traditionally limits the coverage area of high-quality communication. To address these challenges, Chinese scientists and military engineers at China Mobile have developed a communication station deployable on military vehicles, accompanied by four drones. These drones can sequentially take off during movement, acting as aerial communication relays. When a drone’s battery depletes, it transfers its duties to another drone and autonomously lands on the vehicle’s roof for recharging.

The innovation signifies a strategic enhancement in China’s military communication capabilities, facilitating the integration and operation of a vast array of unmanned systems on the battlefield. The deployment of such advanced 5G technology is expected to provide the PLA with a tactical advantage, enabling more efficient and resilient communication networks in diverse and challenging operational environments.