China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is restructuring its space operations by shifting key responsibilities to a newer force as part of a wider military modernisation drive, according to analysis by the Jamestown Foundation.
The reorganisation involves transferring much of the PLA’s “space information support and assurance” mission from the Aerospace Force (ASF) to the Information Support Force (ISF).
These responsibilities include communications, navigation, reconnaissance and data support that underpin military operations across domains. The transition remains incomplete, with some units yet to be moved, and certain functions such as satellite tracking and launch control expected to remain with the ASF.
From Informatization to Intelligentization
The changes reflect China’s broader shift from “informatization” to “intelligentization,” a strategy focused on greater use of data, artificial intelligence and networked systems in warfare. By consolidating information-centric roles under the ISF, the PLA aims to reduce delays in information flow and improve coordination between services, enabling faster decision-making and tighter integration of satellite, sensor and communications data on the battlefield.
The ISF is expected to take on a central role in managing secure communications, satellite-derived data and battlefield intelligence, while also integrating inputs from mapping, weather and surveillance systems to support commanders.
Expanding Role of Space-Based Capabilities
Core space support functions include intelligence collection via satellites, secure communications and navigation using China’s Beidou system, data transmission between space and ground segments, and protection of these systems against cyber and electronic threats.
While many of these roles are being reassigned to the ISF, others continue to be shared with the ASF and additional units, underscoring that the restructuring is still a work in progress.
Civil-Military Integration and Long-Term Strategy
As part of this shift, China has also established a new civilian institution, the Aerospace Information University in Jinan, to train specialists in satellite communications, navigation and remote sensing.
The initiative supports Beijing’s aim of integrating air, space and ground systems, including linking technologies such as 5G, satellite navigation and remote sensing into a unified network. The growing involvement of civilian and commercial space entities is intended to offload routine support tasks, allowing the PLA to concentrate on developing more advanced military capabilities.
The restructuring highlights the PLA’s increasing reliance on space-based systems for modern warfare, with space now central to communications, surveillance, navigation and targeting.
According to the Jamestown Foundation, the changes indicate sustained investment in both military and civilian space capabilities, pointing to long-term strategic objectives that extend beyond immediate defence needs.
