Tag: space

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552: FORMATION FLYING IN SPACE

 

Pic Courtesy Net

 

My Article published on the EurasianTimes Website on 08 Dec 24

 

On 05 Dec 24, India’s PSLV-C59 successfully launched the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission. This marked a significant milestone in international space collaboration. The Proba-3 mission consists of two satellites, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), deployed into a highly elliptical orbit. Proba-3 is designed to demonstrate precision formation flying, with the two satellites maintaining a separation of about 150 meters with millimeter accuracy. Together, they will create an artificial solar eclipse, a unique event in space science, to study the Sun’s corona for extended periods—far exceeding the brief duration of natural eclipses. This is expected to advance understanding of phenomena such as the Sun’s corona’s high temperatures and the acceleration of the solar wind. The mission was managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), with the launch conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It demonstrates the growing role of India’s space program in facilitating advanced scientific research.

 

PSLV-C59 Rocket

 

The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is one of India’s most reliable and versatile rockets, developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It can launch satellites into polar and geostationary orbits and is known for its cost-efficiency and successful track record.

 

PSLV is a four-stage rocket, with the first three stages powered by solid and liquid propulsion systems and the fourth stage a liquid engine. It is equipped with a strap-on motor that increases its lift capacity. The PSLV can carry a variety of payloads, from small satellites to heavier, larger payloads, and has been used for missions ranging from Earth observation to interplanetary exploration.

 

PSLV has been ISRO’s workhorse. It is responsible for successfully launching many important missions, such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for its high reliability.

 

PSLV-C59 again showcased ISRO’s impressive capabilities, contributing to India’s space ambitions and international collaborations like ESA’s Proba-3 mission. The PSLV-C59 launch carried the Proba-3 satellites into a Sun-synchronous orbit, which is ideal for Earth observation satellites as it ensures consistent lighting conditions for imaging. The satellites were launched from India’s Sriharikota Spaceport (ISRO’s primary launch site), further highlighting India’s significant role in global space missions.

 

Proba-3

 

Proba-3 is the first mission designed to demonstrate precision formation flying in space. Formation flying is a technique where multiple spacecraft maintain a specific relative position to each other while flying in precise, coordinated orbits. In the case of Proba-3, the two spacecraft will need to stay in formation at around 150 meters. This high precision is achieved through advanced onboard sensors and algorithms that allow them to maintain the required relative positions. Both satellites maintain their formation using advanced control systems and GPS receivers. They will perform autonomous manoeuvres based on real-time sensor data, making the mission’s operation more efficient and reliable.

 

The mission’s goal, which is of utmost importance, is to observe the Sun’s corona using a coronagraph, a device that blocks out the Sun’s bright surface (photosphere) to reveal the much fainter outer layers of the Sun. This is crucial for studying solar, wind, and space weather phenomena, which can affect Earth’s communications, satellites, and even power grids. In addition to exploring the Sun, Proba-3 will provide valuable data on space weather dynamics, which is essential for protecting satellite systems from solar radiation and space debris. It will also help improve technologies for future missions that rely on formation flying, such as space telescopes or planetary exploration missions.

 

Formation Flying in Space

 

Formation Types. There are two types of formations. In the Fixed Formation, the spacecraft maintain a fixed distance and orientation relative to each other, as in the case of Proba-3’s dual spacecraft for solar observation. In Dynamic Formation, the spacecraft may change their relative positions, such as in missions where spacecraft need to move between different regions of space.

 

Technologies and Techniques. Formation flying involves multiple spacecraft that fly in precise, coordinated orbits and maintain a specific relative position to each other. Achieving this high precision requires advanced technologies and techniques.

 

    • Onboard Sensors. Formation flying spacecraft typically use a combination of star trackers, gyroscopes, and GPS to measure their relative position. These sensors provide highly accurate data about their orientation and location in space.

 

    • Inter-spacecraft Communication. The spacecraft in formation exchange information about their position and velocity, which helps each spacecraft adjust its trajectory to stay in formation.

 

    • Autonomous Control Systems. Spacecraft are often equipped with autonomous guidance systems, which allow them to make real-time adjustments based on data from onboard sensors. This reduces the need for ground-based intervention, making the formation’s operation more efficient.

 

    • Manoeuvre Algorithms. Specialised algorithms calculate the required adjustments to keep the spacecraft in precise formation using sensor data and communication systems. These algorithms consider factors like gravitational forces, drag, and orbital perturbations.

 

    • Orbit Determination. For formations to remain stable, the spacecraft must be placed in carefully calculated orbits. These orbits are often designed to minimise fuel consumption while maintaining relative positions. Minor, controlled burns of the spacecraft’s thrusters are used to maintain formation over time.

 

Applications of Formation Flying

 

Space Telescopes. Formation flying enables the creation of large, virtual telescopes. Multiple satellites flying in formation can work together to create a larger aperture, effectively improving the resolution and sensitivity of observations. ESA’s LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission is an example of using formation flying for gravitational wave detection. Three spacecraft will maintain precise formation to measure tiny changes in distances between them caused by gravitational waves.

 

Earth Observation. Formation flying can be used for Earth monitoring. Multiple satellites fly in formation to observe the same area from different angles or across different wavelengths. This can improve data acquisition for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and scientific studies.

 

Space Weather Monitoring. Missions like Proba-3 that study the Sun and its effects on space weather benefit from formation flying because it allows precise control over the position of the instruments. This capability can lead to better observations of phenomena such as the solar wind and solar flares, helping to improve space weather forecasting.

 

Planetary and Deep Space Missions. Formation flying could be essential for missions to distant planets, moons, or asteroids. Multiple spacecraft in formation could study the same target from different perspectives or work together to analyse a single object more comprehensively.

 

ISRO: A Glimpse into the Future

 

Chandrayaan-3. After the success of Chandrayaan-1 and the recent Chandrayaan-2 mission, ISRO is preparing for Chandrayaan-3, aiming for a soft landing on the Moon. The mission will demonstrate ISRO’s capability to execute a precise lunar landing and continue studying the Moon’s surface.

 

Gaganyaan. ISRO’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is under development. It will carry Indian astronauts (called Gagannauts) into space aboard a crewed spacecraft. The mission is part of India’s ambition to become a major player in human space exploration, and it will lay the groundwork for future deep-space missions.

 

Aditya-L1. Aditya-L1 is ISRO’s first mission to study the Sun. It will be placed in the L1 Lagrangian point, where it can continuously observe the Sun without interruptions from Earth’s shadow. The mission will help study solar activities and space weather.

 

Mangalyaan-2. After the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan-1), ISRO plans to launch Mangalyaan-2, which could be an orbiter or a lander/rover mission to Mars. This will build on ISRO’s expertise in interplanetary exploration.

 

NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). This joint mission between NASA and ISRO will launch a radar imaging satellite to study Earth’s surface. The satellite will provide high-resolution Earth imagery to help with disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring. The radar data will also help detect changes in Earth’s surface, such as those caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

 

Space-Based Solar Power. Looking further ahead, ISRO has expressed interest in harnessing space-based solar power. This would involve satellites with solar panels collecting solar energy in space and beaming it to Earth as microwaves or laser beams.

 

Formation flying is a fascinating and rapidly developing field in space exploration. Its ability to create more powerful observational platforms and facilitate coordinated scientific missions will be increasingly important in future space endeavours. ISRO, with its proven expertise and ambitious missions, is sure to remain a key player in the growing global space community.

 

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

 

Link to the article on the website:

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/isro-launches-esas-proba-3-mission-to-study-suns/

 

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

References:

  1. European Space Agency (ESA). “Proba-3: A World First in Formation Flying.”
  1. Wertz, J. R., Everett, D. F., & Puschell, J. J. (Eds.). Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD. Microcosm Press, 2011.
  1. Leonard, C. L., Hollister, W. M., & Jacobson, D. H. (1985). “Formation-Keeping for a Pair of Satellites in a Circular Orbit.” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 8(3), 235-242.
  1. Wertz, J. R. (1999). “Autonomous Spacecraft Navigation Using Formation Flying.” Acta Astronautica, 45(4-9), 505-512.
  1. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). “PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission.” A detailed account of the Proba-3 mission objectives and its demonstration of formation flying is available on NSIL’s website.
  1. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Future Missions Overview. Available at ISRO’s official website.
  1. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Advancing India’s Space Ventures. Accessible on NSIL’s page.
  1. Singh, Rajeshwari P. (2024). “India’s Space Odyssey: ISRO’s Vision for 2040.” Space Policy Journal.
  1. The Economic Times. “ISRO’s Ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and Beyond.” A report.
  1. Press Information Bureau (PIB). India’s Space Roadmap: Highlights from ISRO. Available at PIB’s official website.
  1. European Space Agency (ESA). “Collaborating with ISRO on Future Space Technologies.” ESA official site.
  1. The Hindu. “ISRO 2030: What Lies Ahead?” Analysis of ISRO’s evolving role in global space exploration.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

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549: SPACE POWER: SHAPING FUTURE CONFLICTS

 

 

Pic Courtesy Net

 

My Article published on the Indus International Research Foundation

on 06 Dec 24.

As nations increasingly recognise the strategic importance of space, the implications of space-based technologies and strategies for future warfare have come into sharp focus. The militarisation of space has evolved from a speculative concern to a pressing reality, with countries investing heavily in capabilities that leverage space for national security and military advantage. This article explores the implications of space-based technologies and strategies for future warfare, examining their potential impact on military operations, geopolitical dynamics, and international security to illuminate the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of space in the defence landscape.

 

Evolution of Space-based Military Capabilities. Military interest in space can be traced back to the Cold War when the United States and the Soviet Union recognised the strategic advantages that space capabilities could confer. The launch of Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of the space race, leading to significant advancements in satellite technology, reconnaissance, and missile defence systems. In the decades since, space has become integral to military operations. Satellite systems provide crucial communication, navigation, reconnaissance, and surveillance support. For example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has revolutionised military navigation and targeting capabilities, enabling precision strikes and enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield.

 

Recent Developments. In recent years, the pace of technological advancements in space has accelerated dramatically. Emerging technologies such as miniaturised satellites, space-based sensors, and the potential for its weaponisation are reshaping the strategic landscape. Notably, the rise of commercial space ventures has democratised access to space, allowing non-state actors to contribute to military capabilities. The future of warfare will be defined by the ability to operate seamlessly across domains, including space. This underscores the growing importance of space in contemporary military strategy.

 

Strategic Implications of Space-based Technologies

 

Pic Courtesy Net

“The ability to see through clouds and darkness allows for persistent surveillance that can transform battlefield dynamics”.

 – Dr Peter Hays, a space policy expert

 

Enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). Space-based technologies significantly enhance a military’s ability to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform reconnaissance. Satellites with advanced sensors can provide real-time data on enemy movements, infrastructure, and operational capabilities. For instance, the U.S. military’s use of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) satellites during the Iraq War exemplified the impact of space-based ISR capabilities. These satellites provided critical intelligence that informed tactical decisions, contributing to the success of operations. Moreover, emerging technologies such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) enable all-weather surveillance, further enhancing the effectiveness of ISR missions.

 

Space-based Navigation and Timing. Navigation and timing capabilities provided by space assets are essential for modern military operations. Initially developed for military applications, GPS technology is now a cornerstone of military operations worldwide. Accurate positioning allows for effective force coordination, precision targeting, and enhanced logistical operations. In conflicts such as the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan, GPS-guided munitions have played a pivotal role in achieving tactical objectives with minimal collateral damage. However, reliance on space-based navigation systems also introduces vulnerabilities. Adversaries can employ jamming or spoofing techniques to disrupt GPS signals, potentially crippling military operations. The need for redundancy in navigation systems and the development of alternative technologies is becoming increasingly vital.

 

Space-based Communication. Satellite-enabled communication systems facilitate real-time information exchange among military units, command centers, and allied forces. Secure, reliable communication is essential for effective coordination and decision-making in modern warfare. Satellite communication (SATCOM) systems have become ubiquitous in military operations, enabling troops in remote areas to maintain contact with command and control centers. However, increasing reliance on satellite communication raises concerns about cyber threats and electronic warfare vulnerabilities.

 

Potential for Space-based Weapons. The prospect of weaponising space has generated significant debate among military strategists and policymakers. While the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space, the development of conventional weapons systems designed to operate in or from space raises ethical and strategic concerns. Various concepts for space-based weapons are being explored, including missile defence systems and directed energy weapons. The Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) proposed during the Reagan administration exemplifies the historical interest in space-based defence systems. Moreover, China and Russia are actively pursuing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons capable of targeting and neutralising enemy satellites. The potential for space-based weapons creates a new dimension of conflict, where controlling space assets becomes a critical strategic objective.

 

Geopolitical Dynamics and Space-based Warfare

 

Pic Courtesy Net

Space as a Theatre of Conflict. The increasing militarisation of space has transformed it into a potential theatre of conflict. Nations recognise that control of space assets can significantly influence the outcome of terrestrial conflicts. The competition for dominance in space is not limited to traditional military powers; emerging space-faring nations are also seeking to establish their presence. India’s successful test of an ASAT weapon in 2019 demonstrated its growing capabilities in space warfare. The test raised concerns among regional adversaries.

 

Space Diplomacy and Treaties. Space becomes an arena for potential conflict, so the importance of diplomacy and international agreements cannot be overstated. Establishing norms and regulations governing space activities is critical to preventing escalation and ensuring responsible behaviour among nations. The Outer Space Treaty and the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty are examples of agreements promoting peace in space. However, as technological advancements evolve, there is a pressing need for updated frameworks that address contemporary challenges. Discussions around establishing a “Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities” have gained traction recently. This initiative aims to promote responsible behaviour in space and prevent conflicts arising from misunderstandings or miscalculations.

 

Space Alliances and Partnerships. In evolving geopolitical dynamics, nations increasingly form alliances and partnerships to enhance their space capabilities. Collaborative efforts can improve technological development, share intelligence, and foster interoperability among allied forces. NASA’s establishment of the Artemis Accords in 2020 exemplifies this trend. The accords promote international cooperation in space exploration and outline principles for sustainable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine states, “We must work together to ensure that space is a peaceful domain for all humanity” (Bridenstine, 2020). Moreover, NATO has recognised the significance of space in collective defence strategies. The 2019 NATO Space Policy emphasises the need for member states to enhance their space capabilities and improve coordination in space operations (NATO, 2019). This commitment to collaboration underscores the understanding that space security is a shared responsibility.

 

Challenges and Risks Associated with Space-based Warfare

 

Space Debris and Collision Risks. As the number of satellites in orbit grows, the risk of space debris and collisions poses significant challenges. Collisions between satellites or debris can create catastrophic consequences, rendering space assets inoperable and potentially jeopardising military operations. The European Space Agency (ESA) estimates that over 34,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 centimeters are in orbit, with millions of smaller fragments posing threats to operational satellites. The risk of collisions not only threatens national security assets but also raises concerns about the sustainability of space activities.

 

Cyber Security Threats. As military reliance on space-based technologies increases, the vulnerability of these systems to cyber threats becomes a pressing concern. Cyber attacks can target ground control stations, communication links, and satellites themselves, undermining the integrity of space operations. In 2020, the Russian military conducted a cyber exercise simulating attacks on U.S. satellite systems, highlighting the potential for adversaries to disrupt critical space capabilities. Ensuring robust cyber security measures for space assets is essential to maintain operational readiness and protect sensitive information.

 

“We must avoid actions that could lead to an escalation in a domain where the stakes are incredibly high.”

 – General John Raymond

 

Escalation and Miscalculation. The militarisation of space raises the risk of escalation and miscalculation in conflicts. As nations develop capabilities to target each other’s space assets, the potential for conflict increases. A misstep or misunderstanding could lead to unintended consequences and broader military confrontations. Diplomatic efforts to establish norms of behaviour and prevent escalation are critical in mitigating these risks.

 

Case Studies of Space-based Warfare Implications

 

The Gulf War and the Role of Satellites. The Gulf War (1990-1991) serves as a crucial case study in understanding the implications of space-based technologies in modern warfare. The U.S.-led coalition leveraged satellite intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, significantly enhancing operational effectiveness. Satellite imagery allowed coalition forces to assess Iraqi troop movements, monitor logistics, and plan airstrikes with precision. The use of GPS-guided munitions further demonstrated the transformative impact of space technology on military operations. The ability to use satellites for real-time intelligence fundamentally changed the war’s course.

 

Ukraine Conflict and Space-based Surveillance. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the significance of space-based surveillance in contemporary warfare. Both Russia and Ukraine have utilised satellite technologies for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering purposes. The use of commercial satellites for monitoring troop movements and assessing battlefield conditions has become increasingly prevalent. Moreover, the conflict underscores the vulnerabilities associated with space-based technologies. Russia’s reported jamming of GPS signals in contested areas raises concerns about the reliability of navigation systems for military operations.

 

China’s Space Ambitions and Military Modernisation. China’s rapid advancements in space capabilities have significant regional and global security implications. The country’s focus on developing anti-satellite weapons, satellite constellations, and manned space missions reflects its ambition to establish itself as a significant space power. China’s successful test of an ASAT weapon in 2021 demonstrated its growing capabilities to target and neutralise enemy satellites. China’s military modernisation efforts emphasise integrating space capabilities into its defence strategy.

 

The implications of space-based technologies and strategies for future warfare are profound and multifaceted. As nations invest in space capabilities, the strategic landscape is evolving, presenting opportunities and challenges. Enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and communication capabilities are transforming military operations, while the potential for space-based weapons raises ethical and strategic concerns. Geopolitical dynamics are shifting as nations vie for dominance in space, prompting discussions around treaties, alliances, and responsible behaviour. However, challenges such as space debris, cyber security threats, and the risks of escalation underscore the need for caution and international cooperation. As we look to the future, it is clear that space will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the nature of warfare. Acknowledging the complexities and responsibilities associated with space activities is essential for ensuring that space remains a domain for peaceful cooperation rather than conflict.

 

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

 

Link to the article:

https://55nda.com/blogs/anil-khosla/2024/12/06/549-space-power-shaping-future-conflicts/

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

References:

  1. Bridenstine, J. (2020). NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine on the Artemis Accords. NASA.
  1. Department of Defense. (2021). Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2021. Retrieved from defense.gov.
  1. Department of Defense. (2022). National Defense Strategy. Retrieved from defense.gov.
  1. European Union. (2020). The EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence. Retrieved from europa.eu.
  1. Fedorov, M. (2022). Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine on Satellite Imagery. Ukrinform.
  1. Friedman, G. (2020). The Future of Warfare: China, Russia, and the New Space Race. Geopolitical Futures.
  1. Ghosh, A. (2019). India’s ASAT Test: Implications for National Security. The Diplomat.
  1. Hays, P. (2021). The Future of Space Operations: Technology and Strategy. Air & Space Power Journal.
  1. Moseley, T. M. (1992). The Air Campaign in the Gulf War. Air Force Historical Studies Office.
  1. NATO. (2019). NATO Space Policy. Retrieved from nato.int.
  1. Raymond, J. W. (2020). Chief of Space Operations on the Future of Space Warfare. U.S. Space Force.
  1. U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. (2021). NRO Support to Military Operations. Retrieved from nro.gov.
  1. U.S. Space Command. (2020). Threats to U.S. Space Assets. Retrieved from spacecom.mil.
  1. Waugh, W. (2021). Space Debris: A Growing Concern for National Security. Space Policy Journal.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

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497: CHINA’S MILITARY REORGANISATION: A STORY OF EVOLUTION AND REVERSION  

 

 

My Article published in the Newsanalytics journal

 

China’s military modernisation has been a critical focus for the Chinese government over the past few decades. This process involves significant investments in technology, equipment, training, and organisational reforms to transform the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into a world-class military force. China has a set target of 2027, the year of its centenary, to achieve its modernisation goals, paving the way for it to become a “world-class” military power by 2049.

 

China’s military reorganisation is crucial to its broader modernisation efforts to transform the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into a more efficient, capable, and flexible force. The process involved several vital reforms and structural changes, including the establishment of the Joint Staff Department, the creation of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the formation of Theatre Commands, and the reorganisation of Military Services and Branches. The reforms have implications for regional security dynamics and are closely watched by other countries.

 

Reorganisation. Significant military and state security apparatus reforms have been implemented under the leadership of Xi Jinping, who assumed China’s presidency on 14 March 2013. Xi’s military restructuring has been guided by the long-term strategic purpose of national rejuvenation and the need to respond to the conflicts of the 21st century. The reorganisation began in 2015 and included renaming the Second Artillery the Rocket Force, creating a Joint Logistics Force, and establishing the Strategic Support Force (SSF). All of these measures were intended towards the approach that “The CMC governs, services train and equip, and the theatres fight.”

 

Strategic Support Force. The China Joint Strategic Support Force (SSF) was established on December 31, 2015, as part of the broader military reforms to modernise and integrate various aspects of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Creating the Strategic Support Force (SSF) was a unique and innovative move that showcased China’s strategic thinking. It was designed as a cross-discipline, multi-domain warfare force, a concept that had no equivalent in any other military. The SSF was intended to consolidate space, cyber, electronic, and psychological warfare capabilities under one umbrella, making it a crucial and formidable component of China’s military strategy.

 

Reversion. On 19 April 2024, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Central Military Commission (CMC) announced the end of the PLA’s Strategic Support Force (SSF), the creation of a new Information Support Force (ISF), and the re-designation of The SSF’s Aerospace Systems and Network Systems departments as the Aerospace Force (ASF) and Cyberspace Force (CSF) respectively. These forces can be considered PLA equivalents to US functional combatant commands, non-geographically defined joint-force structures intended to support services and military theatres by providing critical capabilities and operations in strategic domains of warfare. These three organisations will manage offensive and defensive PLA information capabilities, including communications networks, global and space-based ISR capabilities, and offensive and defensive cyber and electronic warfare. They will operate alongside the Joint Logistics Support Force, established in 2016, and report directly to the PLA’s CMC, making the new “4+4″ military structure directly subordinate to the Central Military Commission. The CMC, headed by Xi, is the top party organ in charge of China’s military and paramilitary forces.

 

Possible Reasons. While the exact reasons behind this significant reshuffle remain a mystery, it’s clear that a complex interplay of factors related to military capability and political control influenced this decision. The potential reasons for this change are numerous and open to speculative interpretation, underscoring the significant impact of this event and its potential to reshape the military landscape.

 

    • CMC’s dissatisfaction with the SSF’s performance is a possible reason. The SSF had become a bloated organisation due to the integration of various departments. Even after eight years, the SSF’s elements could not be integrated and operated as separate entities.

 

    • Political considerations may also have led to the organisational change. As the information and space domains (and related capability development) intersect with areas of political sensitivity and China’s foreign affairs, a desire to gain greater control may have been the reason for the restructure. By removing the layers of bureaucracy between the CMC and the ASF, CSF and ISF, Xi gains greater oversight of the strategic force.

 

    • Speculation on motive includes the possibility of corruption at the highest levels. Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has regularly targeted commanders and generals. The disappearance from public view of the former SSF commander, General Ju Qiansheng, and the former SSF Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General Shang Hong (responsible for the former SSF Aerospace Systems Department), has led to speculation of corruption in the SSF akin to the Rocket Force.

 

    • Recent ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas have demonstrated the importance of shaping the public perception of a conflict and flexibility in the release and use of resources in cyber, space, information and electronic domains. Strategic Support Force was an unnecessary layer in the command and control chain.

 

Information Support Force (ISF). The People’s Liberation Army’s Information Support Force (ISF) replaced the former Strategic Support Force (SSF). This restructuring is part of a broader effort to enhance the PLA’s capabilities in information warfare and streamline its command structure. The ISF has been assigned the functions of the former Information Communication Base (ICB) and elevated from a corps-grade organisation to a deputy theatre-grade organisation. The ISF and the other three arms are now one grade lower than the PLA’s five theatre commands and each of the four services. The ISF would be crucial in integrating and coordinating various information systems across the PLA, ensuring it operates efficiently in modern, informatised warfare.

 

Implications. The creation of the ISF underscores the importance the Chinese leadership places on information operations and cyber warfare. PLA no longer sees information warfare as a tactical or operational resource but as a strategic outcome. The restructuring reflects an ongoing adaptation to modern military needs, particularly in the cyber, space, and information security domains, which are increasingly critical in contemporary multi-domain conflicts. Xi Jinping, the CMC, and the PLA are unwavering in their pursuit of dominance in information warfare. This strategic goal will remain a key focus, regardless of the challenges and changes that may arise, even if it entails slippage in the 2027 deadline for PLA to be fully modernised.

 

Improved Efficiency. The ISF, along with the newly formed Cyberspace Force and Aerospace Force, will be under the direct control of the Central Military Commission (CMC). The CMC has restructured the PLA’s overall hierarchy, directly overseeing four services, five joint-force military theatres, and four joint support forces. This reorganisation, aimed at streamlining command and reducing management layers, will ensure more direct oversight and quicker decision-making, enhancing China’s military efficiency.

 

Indian Perspective. China’s military modernisation and evolving reorganisation present a complex array of strategic challenges and implications for India. In the future, India, like other countries, will face confronting situations and be compelled to respond. China’s focus on these warfare domains signals a shift towards newer forms of warfare, where information, cyber, and space operations could become essential elements of military strategy. The rapid growth of the PLA’s military capabilities and the belligerent attitude of China necessitates enhancing India’s military capabilities on priority. India needs to reorient and reorganise to develop a warfare capability in the strategic domains of space, cyber, electromagnetic, and information.

 

It is too soon to predict the effect of recent developments on the PLA’s ability to fight and win wars. Notwithstanding, the PLA’s restructuring is a significant development that will have far-reaching implications for China’s military capabilities and strategic posture. It reflects China’s growing emphasis on modernising its military and developing advanced cyber and space warfare capabilities. It reflects a clear shift in China’s military strategy and doctrine. The PLA’s new structure will enable it to operate more effectively in a rapidly changing global security environment and enhance China’s ability to project its power and influence beyond its borders. The evolutionary process may provide additional time for the affected countries to take appropriate measures to face future challenges.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome.

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

References:-

  1. Matt Bruzzese and Peter W. Singer “Farewell to China’s Strategic Support Force”, Defenseone, 28 Apr 2024.
  1. Dean Cheng, “Why Xi created a new Information Support Force, and why now”, Breaking Defense Indo-Pacific, 29 Apr 2024.
  1. Kartik Bommakanti, “China removes the PLASSF and establishes ISF: Implications for India”, Observer Research Foundation, 15 May 2024.
  1. Joe McReynolds and John Costello, “Planned Obsolescence: The Strategic Support Force In Memoriam (2015-2024)”, The Jamestown Foundation, 26 Apr 2024.
  1. Tenzin Younten, “China’s Latest Military Reorganization Terminates the PLA SSF & launches Three New Arm Forces based on it: Strategic implications of the PLA’s latest Reforms and Structural Changes”, 26 Apr 2024.
  1. Joe Keary, “Four services and four arms lifts CCP control over information warfare”, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, 24 May 2024.
  1. Kalpit A Mankar and Satyam Singh, “Tracking China’s moves on information warfare”, Observer Research Foundation, 22 May 2024.
  1. Amber Wang, “New force for China’s PLA eyes modern warfare information support”, South China Morning Post, 23 Apr 2024.
  1. Lindsay Maizland, “China’s Modernizing Military”, Council on Foreign Relations, 05 Feb 2020.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.