A research paper from the Chinese military reveals that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may be forming the world’s first hypersonic near-space commando unit, tasked with executing precise and ruthless attack missions during wartime.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, in addition to the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, the PLA is set to introduce a fifth new military branch. Researchers from the National University of Defense Technology disclosed that near-space operations are rapidly advancing, prompting the PLA to establish a command force equipped with specialized hypersonic weapons, directly reporting to the highest levels of military command. However, the relevant unit setup is still immature, operational actions are not yet standardized, and understanding of near-space operational command needs further development.
The report suggests that adjustments to command control hierarchy, selection of command methods, execution of administrative orders, and support for command communication are necessary to accommodate the establishment of the new military branch. However, the timing of the establishment of this new branch is unclear, making it difficult for the outside world to confirm.
It is reported that this paper was presented at the 11th China Command and Control Conference in October of this year and is now publicly available in China’s major academic databases. The team from the National University of Defense Technology states that near-space operations have become a fiercely competitive field capable of “deciding the outcome of future wars.” Researchers involved in the study claim that after being equipped, the near-space command can not only ruthlessly attack critical targets but also conduct high-altitude surveillance globally through autonomous drones and spy balloons.