Imagine a battlefield where communication flows seamlessly, even amidst mountains, urban jungles, or hostile interference. Where troops advancing at breakneck speeds remain connected with split-second precision, and swarms of drones orchestrate warfare autonomously. Sounds like science fiction? Well, China has just turned this into reality. China launched the world’s first 5G base station that can connect around 10,000 military robots.
In a groundbreaking move, China Mobile Communications Group and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have developed the world’s first mobile 5G base station, designed to revolutionize military operations. This marvel of technology promises to redefine the rules of engagement on future battlefields.
The Birth of the World’s First Mobile 5G Base Station
After rigorous testing, China’s mobile 5G base station is now ready for deployment on the battlefield. This technology marks a significant advancement in achieving high-speed, low-latency, and secure data exchange for military applications.
With a coverage radius of 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) and the ability to support up to 10,000 users simultaneously, this base station ensures seamless connectivity even in the most challenging terrains. The system maintains a total throughput of 10 gigabits per second and a latency of less than 15 milliseconds while troops navigate rugged mountains or bustling cities.
The project, led by senior engineer Hou Jie and his team from the 31567 Unit of the PLA, marks a new chapter in the evolution of military communication technologies. The study was published in the Chinese journal Telecommunications Science.
Military 5G vs. Civilian 5G: What’s the Difference?
While 5G has already transformed civilian life, military 5G operates on an entirely different level. The PLA demands uninterrupted connectivity, even in the absence of ground base stations or when satellite signals are compromised.
To meet these challenges, China’s military engineers introduced several innovations:
- A compact antenna design under 3 meters (9.8 feet) to avoid collisions in urban areas.
- Advanced solutions to counter electromagnetic interference, ensuring robust performance even under enemy attacks.
These features highlight the stark contrast between civilian and military 5G, with the latter engineered to thrive in the most hostile environments.
A New Era of Intelligent Warfare
This revolutionary base station isn’t just about communication and it’s the cornerstone of China’s ambitious plan to build the largest unmanned army on Earth. These intelligent machines are expected to outnumber human soldiers on future battlefields by connecting drones, robot dogs, and other unmanned combat platforms.
However, coordinating thousands of robots in real time requires immense data exchange capabilities, which traditional military communication technologies lack. Enter the mobile 5G base station, which bridges this gap by enabling fast, reliable, and secure communication among unmanned systems.
The Technology Behind the Innovation
To address the challenges of mobile military operations, China Mobile and PLA engineers designed a platform that can be mounted on military vehicles. This platform houses three to four drones, which can take off alternately during a march, acting as aerial base stations.
Here’s how it works:
- When a drone’s battery depletes, it hands over its task to another drone and lands on the vehicle’s roof for charging.
- This seamless coordination ensures continuous connectivity, even in motion.
The system has undergone extensive testing and has proven effective in solving issues like frequent disconnections and low data speeds. Hou Jie’s team confirmed that the system achieves “safe, reliable, and rapid deployment” even in complex scenarios.
Tackling Electromagnetic Interference
One of the biggest threats to military 5G is electromagnetic interference, which can come from both enemy forces and friendly units operating nearby.
To overcome this, the team developed a high-power communication terminal that can transmit data at up to 400 megawatts while maintaining low energy consumption. This innovation ensures long-term operation even under heavy interference.
As per reports, the military 5G system also leverages China’s vast civilian 5G network, which includes 4.2 million base stations as of November 2024 and is the largest in the world. By adapting civilian technologies for military use, the PLA has achieved a cost-effective yet highly advanced communication network.
A Global Race: How the US Stacks Up
While China surges ahead, the United States is also exploring the militarization of 5G technology. In 2020, the US launched what it claimed to be the world’s largest military 5G campaign. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Verizon Have been collaborating to build a similar system, known as 5G.MIL.
However, progress has been slow due to technical challenges. For instance, the 5G.MIL system achieves a latency of up to 30 milliseconds when transmitting data between two vehicles 100 meters (328 feet) apart. While this meets the US military’s requirements, it pales in comparison to the PLA’s superior performance metrics.
What’s Next for Military 5G?
China’s mobile 5G base station is not just a technological marvel; it’s a strategic asset that could redefine global military dynamics. By integrating cutting-edge civilian technologies and overcoming critical challenges, the PLA has set a new benchmark for military communication systems.
As the race for 5G militarization intensifies, other nations will need to innovate rapidly to keep pace with China’s advancements.
The unveiling of China’s mobile 5G base station marks a turning point in modern warfare. With its unparalleled capabilities, this technology paves the way for a new era of intelligent, unmanned, and highly efficient military operations.
