Exovera’s report, The PLA’s Use of Multi-Domain Mesh Networks, explores how China is pursuing a sweeping overhaul of its military communications infrastructure to support Multi-Domain Precision Warfare (MDPW). Under this doctrine, the PLA aims to integrate space, air, ground, and maritime forces through AI-enabled mesh networks—creating a real-time, interoperable command structure akin to the U.S. Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The report details progress in developing and testing key systems such as the Blue Ocean Information Network, the AI-powered Three-Body Computing Constellation, and the Space-Air-Ground-Sea Integrated Network (SAGSIN).
Despite major technological investments and recent demonstrations of integrated targeting—such as linking the Type 055 destroyer and KJ-600 early warning aircraft—challenges remain. The PLA’s heavy procurement of fiber optic cable underscores its push for secure, high-speed data transmission, yet full deployment of fiber-optic-enabled mesh networks appears incomplete. As state-owned enterprises and research labs drive innovation in space-based computing and AI-enhanced communications, the report warns that China’s evolving command-and-control systems merit close monitoring as they mature into more resilient, distributed, and autonomous networks.
