Chinese Military Digitalization (TDD): Dossier on Self-Sufficiency, BDS Robustness, and the Human Factor as a Strategic Vulnerability
- Gabriele Iuvinale
- 1 giorno fa
- Tempo di lettura: 4 min
China's Digital Transformation of Defense (TDD) (深入推进军工数字化转型) is not an option, but a strategic imperative central to military modernization and the transition to Intelligence-based Warfare (IBW). Geostrategic competition has shifted from the mere possession of hardware platforms to superiority in the information domain, managed through interconnected systems of systems, enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
For the People's Republic of China (PRC), this effort, driven by the Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) policy, focuses on two objectives that are vital to our intelligence analysis:
Overcoming the Technological "Bottleneck." The primary goal is to achieve self-sufficiency and self-empowerment (自主可控) in critical technologies (advanced semiconductors, operating systems, and industrial PLM/CAD/CAE software), recognized as Beijing's greatest vulnerability. The answer is the mass adoption of a domestic technology stack (Xinchuang) in defense systems.
Technological and Diplomatic Projection. Utilize resilient digital assets, such as the Beidou navigation system (BDS), to expand global influence and create strategic dependencies in partner countries, as demonstrated by data-sharing agreements with CELAC nations.
The analysis confirms that information supremacy depends directly on the ability to digitize, protect, and exploit data.
Quantified Targets and the Software Self-Sufficiency Vector
China's TDD is based on measurable data and an aggressive strategy to eliminate the risk of dependence on foreign supply chains.
A. The Manufacturing Push (2025-2030 Plan)
The Implementation Plan for the Digital Transformation of the Mechanical Industry (2025-2030) sets binding targets for the core defense sector:
2027 Target. 50% of enterprises achieve Level 2 or above of smart manufacturing maturity, with the construction of at least 200 "Excellence" level smart factories.
2030 target. 60% of enterprises will reach level 2+, and at least 500 smart factories will be built at the "Excellence" level. This will lead to the formation of a "complete, secure, and controllable" (安全可控) supply system.
These objectives are enabled by MBSE and Digital Twin, targeting a first-time assembly success rate of over 99% in complex electronics.
B. Low-Code PaaS: The Software Shield
The adoption of Low-Code PaaS platforms (炎黄盈动 AWS PaaS) is the direct response to the need for software self-sufficiency. This strategy allows for the rapid replacement of foreign management systems, ensuring full compatibility with the entire domestic Xinchuang (信创) technology stack.
Full Compatibility. The platforms support chips (Phytium, Loongson), operating systems (Kylin, UniCloud), and databases (Dameng, Gbase).
Operational Results. At CASIC (航天科工), the use of these platforms has already led to a 30%-45% reduction in the R&D cycle and a 25%-60% increase in production efficiency.
C. Advanced Architectures
The ABMS (AI-Blockchain-MBSE) conceptual system uses Blockchain to ensure the immutability and security of R&D data. At the same time, the Aerospace Bionic Intelligence (空天仿生智能技术) program develops unmanned systems capable of displaying systemic, biological, and antagonistic intelligence, marking the transition to autonomous and resilient platforms.
BDS: Military Strength and Diplomatic Projection
The third-generation Beidou navigation system (BDS) demonstrates China's ability to create a strategic asset that balances autonomy and global influence.
A. Technical Superiority and Anti-A2/AD Robustness
The BDS Integrated Satellite-Ground Network is designed for maximum operational resilience:
Quantified Robustness. The constellation's network connectivity is greater than 3. This crucial technical data means that the system can maintain ranging and connectivity operations even in the event of the loss or unavailability of up to three satellites (anti-A2/AD resistance).
Accuracy. The PDOP (Position Dilution of Precision) for satellite telemetry connections is planned to be less than 1.4, confirming the extremely high quality of spatial and temporal measurement.
Autonomy. The system relies entirely on ground stations (all located in China) to provide critical spatial and temporal inertial reference, ensuring autonomous control and distributing information to the entire constellation with a maximum of two hops.
Geopolitical Influence (CELAC)
The spatial data sharing agreements (共享空间数据) between the CNSA and the countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) expand the reach and influence of BeiDou as a strategic alternative to GPS. This is a vector of soft power, but critical stability and control of the system remain centralized under the exclusive authority of the PRC.
The Human and Organizational Factor: The Brake on Progress
Despite its technological excellence, the implementation of TDD has been slowed down by internal challenges related to talent and organizational structure.
A. The Composite Talent Deficit (複合型人才)
TDD requires "composite talents" who combine military and engineering skills with AI and Big Data. The scarcity of such individuals in China is a critical long-term slowdown factor.
B. Dichotomous Transformation Models
Analysis of transformation paths reveals two distinct models:
Large Centralized Enterprises (CQ). Only large, centrally owned enterprises choose Full Chain Transformation (Front-Middle-Rear), with enterprise size being the key factor enabling holistic investments.
Small Enterprises/Third Line. Smaller companies opt for agile and focused paths, such as Digital Platform Transformation or Product/Service Transformation, acting as vectors of targeted innovation within the MCF system.
The Strategic Confrontation with the United States
China is closely monitoring the US response, which focuses on information superiority and open source architecture (JADC2, Open DAGIR). The introduction of DODI 5000.97 (Digital Engineering Mandate) formalizes the use of digital models as an "authoritative information source."
Strategic Conclusions
TDD is a competition between two nation-states, and intelligence must focus on the following vectors:
Software Risk Analysis. Monitor the actual adoption and effectiveness of the Xinchuang ecosystem and Low-Code PaaS to measure the success of self-sufficiency.
Verification of National Targets. Track progress toward quantified 2027-2030 goals (e.g., 500 smart factories).
Organizational Vulnerability. Assess the ability of Central Groups to overcome information silos and bridge the Talent Gap (複合型人才).
List of Documents Reviewed
Selected Pages on TDD, Bionic Intelligence, US Digital Transformation (Defense Science & Technology Industry Magazine) Defense Science & Technology Industry Editorial Staff 2025
Integrated Planning of Satellite-Ground/Intersatellite Links for the Beidou Navigation System Wang Nan, Sun Leyuan et al. 2025
2023 Low-Code PaaS Accelerates the Digital Transformation of the Defense Industry (White Paper) Beijing Yanhuang Yingdong Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Action Soft) 2023
Study on the Digital Transformation Path Selection Mechanism of Third-Line Military Enterprises in the Digital Economy Liu Liang, Jin Ruifeng, Song Jashan 2022
An Article to Understand the Digital Transformation of Military Enterprises CORNERSTONE 2024
Interpretation of the Implementation Plan for the Digital Transformation of the Mechanical Industry (2025-2030) Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) et al. 2025
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