Integrated Field Communication System

Last updated: 28 January 2007

Division/Brigade C3I: Most Army divisions and brigades in the PLA are now equipped with the integrated tactical C3I system, providing command and control capability for commanders on the battlefield (Source: Chinese Internet)

Based on the scope and purposes of their services, the PLA’s communications networks are categorised into strategic (national) and tactical networks. The strategic (national) communications networks are based on fixed data exchange stations and wired communications networks similar to those used in civil communications networks. The tactical networks are based on wireless/mobile communications and are used to provide communication services for the ground troops at group army (GA), division/brigade, regiment and below levels. The tactical communications networks can also be divided into battlefield networks and regional networks, with the former directly serving the frontline units and latter connecting the frontline units with the command posts.

The regional networks at group army and division/brigade level have been the central focus of the PLA tactical C3I development. These formations require a reliable command, control, communication and intelligence (C3I) system to enable flexible connectivity, information flow and data processing. At the same time, the system must be highly robust and secure with strong resistance to enemy electronic warfare and information warfare, and be compatible to the existing civil communications networks.

The PLA has been developing the Integrated Field Communication System for its ground troops since the early 1980s. This C3I system initially comprised a range of single-channel radio (SCR), division-level mobile dual-channel radio communication networks, and regional networks, and was later added with tactical SATCOM and computer-based local- and wide-area networks (LAN/WAN). The current PLA regional communications networks are based on mobile high-frequency (HF) and microwave communications, combined with underground wires, coaxial cable, fibre optic, and satellite communications (SATCOM).

Empowered by China’s fast growing civil telecommunications and information technologies, the PLA’s tactical C3I development has been impressive. Some group armies and divisions/brigades are now equipped with automated C3I systems to meet the growing demand for information and real-time intelligence in the land battlefield. Division and brigade commanders are now able to receive enemy intelligence gathered by the unit’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets and issue commands and instructions to the subordinated units through integrated voice and data communications networks.

Despite the impressive progress the PLA has made in developing its tactical C3I, the current PLA tactical C3I systems are still generations behind those deployed by the Western armies. The present C3I development mainly concentrates on the division and brigade level, while most regiments and battalions are still relying on dated radio communications. Various C3I systems deployed by difference service arms are not fully compatible with each other and have not been fully connected to enable a "network-centric warfare" capability.

Tactical Radio Communication: Front-line units equipped with tactical radio communication systems (Source: Chinese Internet)