Integrity Score 390
No Records Found
No Records Found
Dragon’s Teeth and Dragon’s Brain continues....
The PLARF is tasked with the command and control of China’s nuclear
and conventional missile forces. It is a separate service arm, distinct
from the army, navy, and air force. It was formally established on 1st
July 1966, based upon a ‘special artillery corps’ formed in 1958
following the Chinese decision to develop nuclear weapons. The HQ
was created using the command staff of the former PLA Public Security
Force when that was abolished as a national-level organization, and the
core troops were those of the surface-to-surface missile troops and
schools till then with the conventional artillery.
The PLARF has an estimated 120,000 personnel, and consists of a
HQ, six Corps-level launch bases, one engineering design academy, four
research institutes, two command academies, and an early warning
formation. The key operational strike units are the Missile Brigades, which are most probably assigned only one type of missile to simplify command and logistics.
The PLARF HQ and subordinate bases oversee warhead and missile storage facilities, maintenance units, and special
warhead/missile transportation services.
The central command and control centre for all Chinese forces, including the PLARF, is located in Xishan, in the hills west of Beijing, where strategic operational orders originate. As a strategic asset, the
PLARF is subject to strict control from the centre. It is therefore perhaps the most vertically-integrated of all organizations within the PLA.
At the top is the PLARF HQ. Below PLARF HQ are the missile bases and their subordinate launch brigades and sub-units. Direct communications from the CMC with China’s six launch bases, would be passed through PLARF HQ
and its communications regiment. This system bypasses China’s Theatre
Commands, and connects directly to missile base commands. The base
commands in turn communicate with their respective launch brigades.
The is believed to operate six launch bases, each commanded by a major general. Each base has two to three missile brigades each commanded by a colonel, with each brigade operating one type of
missile. These brigades consist of up to four launch battalions.
To be continued....