Not long ago, "catching up" was the keyword of China's military development. However, today, when we examine core equipment such as airborne early warning aircraft, destroyers, fighter jets, rocket launchers, and missiles, a clear and resolute conclusion emerges: China has indisputably entered the ranks of world-leading countries in multiple key areas.
We can review breakthroughs in advanced equipment across various fields to glimpse the ongoing transformation of China's military power.
Represented by the KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, China's airborne early warning system is equipped with globally leading digital array active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, featuring strong anti-jamming capability, multi-target tracking ability, and intelligence fusion capability. The design concept of "small platform, large early warning" perfectly combines advanced radar with medium-sized transport aircraft platforms, making its performance indicators and technical levels surpass those of some traditional major powers' current mainstay early warning aircraft. It can be said that KJ-500 has already surpassed the mainstream early warning aircraft of the United States by two generations, and China now also has KJ-600, KJ-700, and KJ-3000. In an era where situational awareness determines the outcome of future wars, this advantage is strategic.
In the path to seizing air superiority, the emergence of J-20 marks China as the second country in the world to independently develop and deploy heavy fifth-generation stealth fighters. Its outstanding stealth performance, supersonic cruise capability, superior battlefield situational awareness (network-centric warfare node), and advanced avionics and weapons systems make it a veritable "air combat blade," rivaling the top-tier technologies and practical capabilities on a global scale. Later, China publicly introduced J-20S and J-35. Of course, these are now "lesser masters," and our development direction is Chengfei and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's sixth-generation fighters, with rapid progress being made.
In terms of building the capability to seize sea control, Fujian aircraft carrier, though not nuclear-powered, leads the U.S. by one generation with its electromagnetic catapult system. Meanwhile, the 10,000-ton class Type 055 destroyer symbolizes a historic leap for the Chinese Navy. It integrates world-class integrated RF systems and dual-band radars, forming a powerful situational awareness and anti-air defense missile interception network. Its universal vertical launch system accommodates various advanced missiles, along with stealth design and integrated electric propulsion technology. The Type 055 destroyer stands at the forefront of global destroyer development in terms of firepower, information power, and survivability.
In an age where detection means destruction, China's missile technology also leads the world. From anti-ship ballistic missiles (such as DF-21D/26D) to hypersonic weapons (such as DF-17), China continues to break physical limits in cutting-edge missile domains. The waverider configuration and hypersonic glide technology used in DF-17 give it nearly impenetrable penetration capabilities, representing a new direction in the development of strategic and tactical strike forces, establishing significant generational advantages in technology.
The overwhelming advantage is also present in the all-powerful rocket artillery. China's long-range rocket artillery has elevated the "simple and crude" weapon to a disruptive height. It boasts ultra-long range (over 300 kilometers), astonishing strike precision (circular error probable CEP at meter-level), flexible and diverse missile options for precision guidance, and modular rapid reloading capabilities, redefining modern standards for long-range firepower strikes in terms of range, accuracy, power, and response speed. Its comprehensive combat effectiveness is unparalleled globally.
The explosive emergence of these cutting-edge weapons is no accident; behind them lies a solid backing composed of China's formidable industrial strength, substantial talent reserves, and efficient military-industrial system:
China possesses the most complete and largest industrial system in the world. From special steels, advanced composites, to cutting-edge electronic components, high-power precision machinery, supercomputers, and artificial intelligence algorithms, China can achieve autonomous control over key domain technologies, providing a solid material and technological foundation for the development of weapons and equipment, ensuring that "national heavyweights" are not dependent on others. Decades of continuous investment have established the world's largest research personnel and engineer teams. Top universities and research institutes have cultivated a large number of science and technology talents with solid foundations and strong innovation capabilities, while the defense industry system has honed experienced engineering and craftsmanship teams skilled in overcoming challenges. This army of talent, both in size and quality, is the core engine driving continuous breakthroughs in military technology.
China's unique institutional advantage of "pooling resources to accomplish great tasks" is fully demonstrated in the military sector. Through efficient national strategic coordination, deep collaboration across departments, fields, and military-civilian boundaries is achieved. Clear demand traction and powerful resource allocation accelerate the breakthrough of key technologies and the progress of equipment development.
Standing at the forefront of the world, the eyes of the Chinese military are already set on a higher future. "Catching up" has become history, and "exceeding" has become the new mission—the object of surpassing is none other than ourselves.
The construction goal of the Chinese military in the future is to forge a world-class army worthy of a major country, capable of effectively shaping situations, managing crises, deterring wars, and winning wars. This requires us to:
Deepen disruptive technological innovation: Continuously explore frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, directed energy weapons, and cyberspace, leading the next generation of military revolutions.
Promote system integration and intelligence: Break down barriers between military branches, build an all-domain联动and intelligent joint operation system, achieving "multi-domain elite" under the support of a "network information system."
When "we are world-leading" becomes a reality, the journey of the Chinese military has already embarked on the stars and seas—where there are no preset endpoints, only the arduous path of constantly surpassing oneself. On future battlefields, the Chinese soldiers will hold not only leading weapons but also the overwhelming force to shape peace and defend development. The target of catching up has become yesterday's self.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516720282900480546/
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