China's Development of AI-Enhanced Military Logistics System

China is advancing its military capabilities with the development of an AI-powered logistics system aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and efficiency of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This system involves the integration of advanced technologies such as sensors, predictive planning, and cargo drones, which are currently being tested to optimize military logistics.

Innovations in Military Logistics

The PLA is employing various innovative technologies to modernize its logistics operations. Tracked unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) mules are now in use, providing autonomous support for transporting supplies. The Joint Logistic Support Force (JLSF), established in 2016, is at the forefront of these developments, working towards a smart logistics system designed to ensure efficient troop supply.

Automated monitoring systems are being deployed to track vehicles and power sets, with unique item IDs used for managing resources. Public warehouses have been established to facilitate shared equipment storage, and by late 2024, prototypes were capable of holding over 100,000 items. These innovations allow military units to pre-order necessary gear at training bases, enhancing preparation and readiness.

Technological Integration and Inventory Management

QR codes have been integrated into inventory management processes to provide continuous visibility of equipment and stock levels. Items in public warehouses are tagged with QR codes, enabling military units to query inventories online. This system is supported by a common database for PLA supplies, which is currently under construction. AI scheduling is being utilized to match supply demands more rapidly, with real-time data acquisition and processing playing a critical role in the efficiency of the logistics network.

Field units, including those stationed in challenging environments such as Tibet, are able to submit orders online. The PLA Air Force has further solidified its logistics capabilities by signing a five-year agreement to enhance logistics operations.

Unmanned Resupply and IoT Integration

Cargo drones are employed for unmanned resupply missions, ensuring that frontline units receive necessary supplies without delay. Additionally, the Military Oil Internet of Things (IoT) Platform is used for continuous fuel monitoring, while a broader military supply IoT system provides real-time sensing of demand. Networked sensors are implemented to monitor the condition of tanks and stock levels, with depot statuses made available to commanders in real time.

This effort is part of a five-year initiative aimed at informatizing warehouse operations, reflecting the PLA's focus on treating logistics as a core challenge in potential conflict scenarios. The construction of ports, sealift capabilities, fuel networks, and depots underscores the strategic importance of a robust logistics network, which is a critical target in warfare.

Operational Readiness and Predictive Logistics

The AI-driven logistics system is expected to significantly improve the PLA's operational readiness by providing accurate forecasts for parts, fuel, and munitions requirements. By integrating with the Brigade's Command & Control network, the logistics system supports the resupply of forward-deployed units, emphasizing operational speed and the capabilities of AI systems.

The use of components from the Defense Logistics Agency enables the system to predict potential shortfalls in repair parts and fuel needs, thereby reducing the likelihood of surprise shortages for frontline units. This fusion of supply and fuel depots through smart logistics is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the PLA's operations.