In a commentary on Thursday, PLA Daily pointed to the use of AI in the Middle East war and said it was the first time the technology had been integrated into the entire cycle of operations – from analysis of intelligence to target identification, planning and assessment.

“This has practically demonstrated and validated the vast application potential and significant strategic value of AI in the military domain,” the article said, calling AI a “core engine” that was reshaping warfare, the armed forces and the global strategic landscape.

It said a rapid transformation of AI technology for combat was “inevitable” and necessary for the PLA to gain the advantage in future warfare.

The article identified the key areas where the PLA should focus, mainly to do with intelligent situational awareness.

It pointed to existing AI applications for “active early warning” that can identify targets and track the enemy in real time while providing threat alerts and predictions of enemy intent.