new hypersonic weapon system in 2021, building on previous progress in hypersonic weapons development. China also advanced its scramjet engine development in 2022, which has applications in hypersonic cruise missiles. In April 2019, the PLAN revealed during its 70th anniversary celebration that its new guided-missile cruiser can employ long-range land attack cruise missiles and, in 2022, launched the YJ-21 hypersonic missile designed to defeat aircraft carriers. In 2022, Beijing made its first delivery of a surface-to-air missile system to a European nation, Serbia. China is developing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and exploring dual-mode guidance capabilities, which uses both active radar and infrared homing seekers that improve target-selection capabilities and make the missiles more resistant to countermeasures.
China’s space industry, managed by the PLA, is rapidly expanding its intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, and communication satellite constellations. The successful completion of the Tiangong Space Station in 2022 and its planned expansion demonstrates the industry’s continued progress. China’s domestic space market is dominated by state-run enterprises; however, increased investment has enabled private space companies to successfully launch orbital satellites in the past 4 years. In 2020, China launched its first satellites for an ongoing new space-based internet-of-things project with container monitoring and maritime communications applications and, in 2021, designated satellite internet as a national infrastructure project.
NAVAL AND SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY
China, the top ship-producing nation in the world by tonnage, is increasing its shipbuilding capacity for all naval classes: submarines, surface combatants, and auxiliary and amphibious ships. China also has developed unmanned underwater systems, publicly revealing a long-range system in 2019. China domestically produces naval gas turbine and diesel engines as well as almost all shipboard weapons and electronic systems for its shipbuilding sector, making the industry nearly self-sufficient for all shipbuilding needs. In 2022, China launched its first domestically designed and manufactured aircraft carrier, featuring an electromagnetic catapult launch and arresting devices. The carrier will be able to deploy up to 70 aircraft, including J-15 fighters and Z-9C antisubmarine helicopters.
ARMAMENTS INDUSTRY
China’s production capacity is improving in nearly every PLA ground system category: main and light battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, assault vehicles, air defense artillery systems, and artillery systems. Notably, China began testing unmanned Type-59 tanks in 2018 as part of its military modernization program. In November 2022, China unveiled an unmanned model of its VT-5 light tank, which is an export variant of the Type-15 light tank. The Type-15 entered PLA service in 2018 and was meant to replace aging Type-62 light tanks that first entered service in 1962. China is capable of producing ground weapon systems at or near world-class standards; although customers also cite persistent quality deficiencies with some exported equipment, inhibiting the PRC’s ability to expand its export markets.
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China
