China’s state-owned defense technology corporation has amalgamated units specializing in information technology, equipment research and development.China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) says the amalgamation will enable it to "provide advanced weaponry for IT-based warfare."
One senior scientist hailed the amalgamation and consequent resource integration of the academy and praised the decision as strengthening China’s aerospace information technology. On the other hand, history shows that the amalgamation of such disparate entities often results in inefficiencies and infighting. We should hope for the best.
The new CASIC-IT has been formed from, among others,
- The CASIC 8511 research institute in eastern Jiangsu’s Nanjing City, which specialized in electronic aerospace defense systems;
- The CASIC Measurement and Control Technological Development Company, which is in charge of IT equipment maintenance, research and development, and missile testing systems;
- Beijing Century Satellite;
- China Aerospace Systems Engineering.
Stock Analyst reports that CASIC General Manager Xu Dazhe, pictured above, said the new academy would be the foundation of a first-class space defense corporation that should "further enhance armament and information levels so as to provide advanced weaponry for IT-based warfare."
Xu also said greater attention should be paid to IT products for civilian applications utilizing military technology.