In an era where technological prowess defines global supremacy, the race between the United States and China in the domain of artificial intelligence (AI) is more intense than ever. Recent developments suggest that China is on the verge of closing the technological gap with the United States in AI, a field that is increasingly seen as critical to military, economic, and geopolitical power.
The Global Times, an English-language daily in China, along with insights from technology experts, highlights the significant strides China is making in AI. Zhou Hongyi, the founder and chairman of 360 Security Technology and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, predicts that China could bridge the AI divide with the US within the next one to two years. This forecast stems from China’s breakthroughs in AI and their rapid learning and application capabilities in the tech sector.
Zhou points out that the main challenge in AI development is “determining the technical direction.” Once this is achieved, Chinese companies excel at learning quickly, especially when it comes to assimilating knowledge from open-source projects and academic papers. This ability to fast-track learning and application is poised to make 2023 the “year of application” for Chinese software algorithms, particularly in large language models (LLMs) that simulate human intelligence.
Adding to the narrative of China’s AI advancements, the South China Morning Post reported on China’s development of new military surveillance equipment leveraging AI for enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. This system can monitor and analyze the electromagnetic spectrum in real-time, intercepting communications ranging from amateur radio to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites. The AI-driven technology offers the Chinese military an unprecedented edge in intercepting enemy signals, decoding them, and suppressing them effectively—an ability crucial for modern warfare where data processing speed and accuracy can determine the outcome of engagements.
The innovative device, described as small in size yet high in performance and low in power consumption, represents a leap forward in China’s military technology. It is designed to detect and lock onto enemy signals with unprecedented speed, decode their physical parameters almost instantly, and suppress them effectively. This capability ensures the uninterrupted flow of communications for the Chinese military, providing them with a significant advantage in the electronic warfare domain.
The technological breakthrough was led by Yang Kai, a professor from the School of Information and Electronics at the Beijing Institute of Technology. Despite the challenges posed by the enormous amount of data that needs to be processed in the heat of combat, Yang’s team has made remarkable strides in this area. They have managed to extend the real-time analysis bandwidth of traditional spectrum monitoring systems from a limited range of 40-160 MHz to the gigahertz zone. This expansion covers the frequency range used by amateur radio enthusiasts and even the satellites of Elon Musk’s Starlink, marking a significant improvement in surveillance capabilities.
This enhanced frequency range means that the Chinese military could capture and analyze signals across a broader spectrum, including those that might be used in unconventional ways by adversaries, such as the US military potentially switching to civilian frequencies for communication.
A key innovation in the development of this surveillance device is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the data analysis process. This integration enables the Chinese military to achieve unprecedented information perception capabilities at a reduced cost. The device’s capabilities signify a profound shift in the art of warfare, according to the scientists quoted by SCMP.
The motivation behind this development is partly attributed to the experiences and observations from the Ukraine war, where the concept of “transparent battlefields” emerged. This notion reflects a situation where both sides of a conflict have nearly complete knowledge of each other’s positions and movements, leading to a stalemate. The advancements in surveillance and electronic warfare technology, such as the one developed by Chinese scientists, aim to break through these stalemates by providing a strategic advantage in detecting and counteracting enemy signals.
The transparent battlefield concept has also led to a reevaluation of current military doctrines in light of the proliferation of long-range precision munitions and improvements in man-portable munitions, such as drones and anti-tank guided missiles. These technologies expose armor formations to long-range precision fire and deny sanctuary for refueling and resupply, highlighting the importance of electronic warfare and information superiority.
Reports have highlighted how both Russia and Ukraine have used mobile networks and other electronic means to target each other’s forces, demonstrating the increasing reliance on electronic warfare and surveillance technologies. The US military is also preparing to operate in such environments, emphasizing the need to adapt to a transparent, congested, degraded, or area-denied battlefield where electronic warfare capabilities can be decisive.
The development of the new Chinese military surveillance device underscores the evolving nature of warfare, where electronic and information warfare capabilities are increasingly crucial. As military strategies and technologies continue to evolve, the ability to surprise the enemy—whether through the unexpected use of new technologies or innovative battlefield doctrines—remains a key element in military operations. This development not only highlights the technological arms race in electronic warfare but also raises questions about the future of conflict and how nations prepare for and engage in warfare in the digital age.
Strategic Evolution: China’s AI Advancements in Military Electronic Warfare and Unmanned Systems
The integration of AI into China’s military strategy has been a key focus, with significant investments directed towards developing technologies that can provide strategic advantages in electronic warfare. This includes the development of new military surveillance equipment leveraging AI to enhance electronic warfare capabilities, capable of real-time monitoring and analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such systems are designed to intercept communications across a broad range, from amateur radio broadcasts to sophisticated satellite communications like Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites.
China’s approach to military AI development is multifaceted, encompassing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), predictive maintenance, logistics, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, simulation and training, and automated target recognition (ATR). These areas illustrate China’s commitment to integrating AI across various military domains, enhancing its capabilities in autonomous operations, data analysis, and decision-making processes. The focus on unmanned systems, particularly UAVs, underlines the importance placed on reducing human casualties while improving reconnaissance, striking capabilities, and overall combat effectiveness.
Furthermore, China’s development of electronic warfare drones, such as the FH-95, showcases a strategic expansion into using drones not just for reconnaissance and attack but also for electronic warfare. These drones are capable of performing remote detection, acting as tactical decoys, and executing saturation attacks alongside manned aircraft. They can provide electromagnetic interference, supporting stealth drone operations to penetrate and destroy air defenses. Such capabilities underscore the potential of electronic warfare drones to disrupt high-tech forces reliant on networks and unmanned combat systems, posing significant challenges to adversaries’ operations.
TABLE 1 – Advancements in China’s Electronic Warfare: The FH-95 Drone
China’s rapid technological advancements in military drones have reached a significant milestone with the development of the FH-95 electronic warfare drone. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed to play a crucial role in analyzing and collecting sensor data from adversarial ground stations, enabling Chinese crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft to conduct deep strikes effectively. This report provides a detailed overview of the FH-95 drone, its capabilities, and its potential impact on modern warfare.
FH-95 Drone Overview
The FH-95 drone represents a significant leap in China’s electronic warfare capabilities. Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), this UAV is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to perform a variety of missions, including strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare, in highly contested battlefield environments. The drone’s design, based on official mock-ups and images released by CASC, underscores its importance in China’s military modernization efforts.
Key Features and Capabilities
- Long Endurance: The FH-95 drone boasts an impressive endurance of over 24 hours, allowing for extended missions deep into enemy territory. This capability is critical for gathering intelligence, conducting reconnaissance, and providing continuous support to ground forces.
- Electromagnetic Warfare: One of the standout features of the FH-95 drone is its electromagnetic warfare capabilities. By collecting and analyzing sensor data from adversarial ground stations, the drone can disrupt enemy communications, radar systems, and electronic devices, providing a significant tactical advantage to Chinese forces.
- Complementary Role with FH-97 Drone: Reports suggest that the FH-95 drone could complement the FH-97 drone in live combat situations. While the FH-95 drone provides electromagnetic interference ahead of suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) strikes by the FH-97 drone, the FH-97 drone can act as decoys to bait enemy air defenses, enabling the FH-95 drone to neutralize air defense radars effectively.
- Early Warning Platform: Additionally, the FH-95 drone could serve as an early warning platform, equipped with advanced radar warning receiver (RWR) components. These components, becoming smaller and lighter, can be easily outfitted on the FH-95 drone, enhancing its ability to detect and counter potential threats in real-time.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- Maximum Take-off Weight: 1000kg
- Payload Weight: 250kg
- Maximum Service Ceiling: 42,000 ft
- Endurance: Over 24 hours
The development of the FH-95 electronic warfare drone represents a significant advancement in China’s military capabilities. With its long endurance, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and potential role in complementing other drones in live combat situations, the FH-95 drone is poised to play a crucial role in China’s future military operations. As China continues to invest in cutting-edge technology for its armed forces, the global strategic landscape is likely to see further shifts in power dynamics and military capabilities.
The strategic emphasis on AI and unmanned systems reflects China’s broader military modernization efforts, aimed at transitioning towards more intelligentized warfare. This transition is supported by a robust framework of research institutions, defense think tanks, and both government-backed and private sector investments. The notion of “intelligentized” warfare highlights the transformative impact of AI and autonomous systems on military strategies, emphasizing the need for innovations that can leverage the full potential of these technologies.
In conclusion, China’s pursuit of AI technologies for military use, particularly in the realms of electronic warfare and unmanned systems, marks a significant evolution in its defense capabilities. By integrating AI across various military applications, China aims to enhance its operational effectiveness, reduce vulnerabilities, and establish a more dominant stance in the realm of global military technology.
China’s Military AI Advancements Trigger US Response: A Deepening Technological Rivalry
In recent years, China has been aggressively pursuing advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for military applications, particularly in electronic warfare and unmanned systems. This strategic shift underscores China’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and aligning with the global trend towards intelligentized warfare. However, this progress has not gone unnoticed by the United States, which has responded with a series of measures aimed at safeguarding its technological edge and strategic interests.
Under the Biden administration, the United States has ramped up efforts to prevent China from acquiring advanced US technologies in crucial areas such as microchips, supercomputers, and AI. To this end, the administration has implemented stringent restrictions on semiconductor exports, citing national security concerns. Additionally, the introduction of the CHIPS Act has sought to bolster domestic chip manufacturing through substantial funding injections, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and enhance the nation’s technological sovereignty.
Beyond semiconductor policy, the US government has also prioritized the regulation of AI development to ensure its safe, secure, and trustworthy deployment. Recognizing the potential risks associated with unchecked AI proliferation, the United States has mandated that AI developers disclose information about their products, including potential vulnerabilities and ethical considerations. This regulatory framework reflects the US commitment to maintaining technological leadership while mitigating the potential negative consequences of AI innovation.
Moreover, the United States has been actively engaged in bolstering its own military AI capabilities to counter the growing threat posed by China’s advancements. This includes significant investments in research and development aimed at enhancing AI integration across various military domains, from intelligence and surveillance to unmanned systems and electronic warfare. By leveraging AI technologies, the US aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance situational awareness, and ensure military superiority in an increasingly contested strategic environment.
The technological rivalry between China and the United States in the realm of military AI underscores the broader competition for dominance in the digital age. As both nations continue to vie for supremacy in AI-driven warfare, the implications for global security and geopolitics are profound. The escalation of this rivalry has the potential to reshape the dynamics of international relations, with far-reaching consequences for strategic stability and the balance of power. In this rapidly evolving landscape, the stakes are high, and the race for technological supremacy shows no signs of abating.
Despite these efforts, Chinese firms continue to achieve technological breakthroughs, a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of international restrictions. The dynamic between the US and China in the AI domain is complex, influenced by factors ranging from government policy and corporate strategy to academic research and collaboration.
As the AI race continues to unfold, the implications for global power dynamics, economic competitiveness, and military capabilities are profound. The advancements in AI not only promise to revolutionize industries and societies but also to redefine the contours of international relations. China’s rapid progress in closing the AI gap with the United States underscores the need for ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and competition in shaping the future of AI governance and its ethical, security, and societal impacts.
