China has reportedly established the world’s first ‘near-space command,’ equipped with powerful hypersonic weapons, according to Hong Kong’s SCMP.

World’s First ‘Near-space Command’

China has reportedly established the world’s first ‘near-space command,’ equipped with powerful hypersonic weapons, according to Hong Kong’s SCMP. Near Space refers to the area in Earth’s atmosphere, approximately 20 to 100 km from the Earth’s surface, known as the mesosphere. In this region, air is very thin, preventing traditional military aircraft from flying, and gravity is strong enough to prevent satellites from remaining in orbit, creating a No-Man’s land region.

However, hypersonic missiles can easily operate in this area due to the rarefied atmosphere, enabling them to fly at hypersonic speeds for long ranges.

The characteristics of the near-space region are what the Chinese hope to exploit using the ‘near-space’ command.

What weapons will the Near-Space Command have at its disposal?

According to the report, the new force will serve as the People’s Liberation Army’s fifth force, alongside the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force. In the event of war, control over these hypersonic weapons will be transferred directly to the near-space command.

The command will also deploy a large number of spy balloons, solar-powered long-endurance drones, and other associated equipment.

Who will have command and control over the near-space command?

The near-space command will report directly to the highest level of the military due to its potential to invite political or military backlash from major geopolitical powers like the US, EU, India, or Russia.

How will Near-Space Command help China win ‘Future Wars’?

According to the report, in the event of future wars, the near-space command will be tasked with carrying out ‘merciless’ attacks on critical targets and conducting high-altitude surveillance globally through automated drones and spy balloons.