PLA Military Aerospace Force: On the Frontier of Innovation and Competition

John Costello

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the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) eliminated the Strategic Support Force (SSF; 战略支援部队). It reconstituted its subordinate components into three distinct arms (兵种), each directly subordinate to the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest-level body within the Chinese armed forces (China Brief, April 26, 2024). 

These organizations include the Cyberspace Force (网络空间部队; Cyberspace Force), the Information Support Force (ISF; 信息支援部队), and the Aerospace Force (ASF; 军事航天部队). One year on from its formation, analysis of thousands of recruitment notices, public procurement documents, academic publications, and news coverage, sheds light on the Military Aerospace Force (ASF; 军事航天部队). [1]

Aerospace Force Space Bases

The ASF does not maintain as rigid a structure as other services or forces, such as the Cyberspace Force; nor does it strictly align with the regional Theater Command (战区) construct. This indicates that its mission is strategic and functional rather than directly supporting individual Theater Commands. [2] The core structural elements of the ASF comprise seven primary “space bases” (航天基地) that undertake the majority of the ASF’s principal operational functions. Notably, Base 35, 

responsible for Battlefield Environment Support (战场环境保障), was reassigned to the newly established Information Support Force (ISF; 信息支援部队) following the disbandment of the SSF last year. In terms of command structure, the Aerospace Force does not appear to be divided into Theater sub-commands; rather, its bases report to the ASF Headquarters, which in turn interfaces with the joint Theater Commands as needed. This means that in a conflict, ASF units would provide support to all Theater Commands (for targeting, communications, navigation, etc.) and execute strategic missions under central CMC direction (CASI, December 2022).