Before 1998, the Commission of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defence (COSTIND) was responsible for the military research and development, weapons procurement, and coordination of the defence and civilian economic sectors. Following the "civilianisation" of the COSTIND, the PLA formed its fourth general headquarters—the General Armament Department (GAD) in April 1998. This new general headquarters absorbed most of the military functions of COSTIND, as well as the former Equipment Department and other military equipment-related offices within the General Staff Department.
The GAD’s main responsibilities are to oversee the development, procurement, supply, maintenance and the life-cycle management of the military’s weapons systems. It also dispatches military representatives to supervise weapon and equipment manufacturers. To support these goals, the GAD has six sub-departments: comprehensive planning, arms and services equipment, army equipment, general equipment support, electronic information and technological groundwork and foreign affairs. The GAD was also tasked with overseeing the PLA’s weapons testing and training bases.
