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China Unveils First Military 5G System Capable of Operating in Complex Terrains.
China has unveiled the first military-grade 5G mobile communication system designed to operate in complex and challenging environments. This new system, set to be deployed in combat scenarios, promises to revolutionize military communications and operations, offering unprecedented connectivity for a wide range of military assets.
AI-generated photo illustrating a UGV capable of using the 5G system. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The system, developed in collaboration between China Mobile Communications Group and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), can connect up to 10,000 military robots simultaneously within a 3-kilometer radius. This connectivity could play a key role in advancing the concept of intelligent warfare, where autonomous systems and combat platforms are increasingly integrated into military operations.
According to reports, the system’s capabilities include maintaining stable data transmission with minimal delays, even when PLA units operate at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour in challenging terrains such as mountains or urban areas. The system has shown resilience against electromagnetic interference, a major challenge for military communications. It can maintain stable communication with a delay of no more than 15 milliseconds, which is considered a significant achievement in this field.
One of the remarkable features of this system is its ability to operate efficiently without relying on traditional ground-based base stations or satellite signals. To address the challenges of signal coverage in rugged environments, the system uses a platform mounted on military vehicles. This platform houses three to four drones that serve as aerial base stations, capable of autonomously swapping batteries and remaining operational continuously, ensuring the stability of the communication network.
The team behind this project, led by PLA senior engineer Hou Jie from Unit 31567, has reported that the system has successfully passed multiple tests. These tests have resolved previous issues related to connection loss and slow transmission speeds, ensuring the safety, reliability, and rapid deployment of the system in real combat situations. Furthermore, the system’s small communication terminals are designed to transmit data at ultra-high power levels of up to 400 megawatts, offering long-term operation with low energy consumption.
On a strategic military level, this technology positions China to become the global leader in deploying a vast array of military robots. With this system, the PLA could establish the world’s largest robotic force, surpassing human soldiers on the battlefield. Automated platforms, including drones and robotic dogs, could become the dominant force in future combat, ushering in a new era of warfare where machines outnumber humans in military operations.
However, this advancement has raised growing concerns about electromagnetic interference, which remains a persistent threat to military 5G systems. The Chinese team has mitigated these risks by deploying innovative technologies and upgrading equipment, ensuring that the military 5G network operates with minimal interference.
While China has made significant progress in the development of military 5G technology, other countries, such as the United States, are still lagging behind. The U.S. has conducted similar research through collaborations between defense contractor Lockheed Martin and telecommunications company Verizon. However, tests have shown that data transmission delays in U.S. systems can reach up to 30 milliseconds, far below the PLA’s capabilities.