CCTV9英语新闻：火箭队第一次演习

China's new Rocket Force has begun its first military drill of the new year. The simulations were conducted by two elite teams, selected from the People's Liberation Army.

 

A test of weaponry and intelligence. Elite soldiers were split into a red team, and its permanent enemy, the blue team. The Blues were a specialized IT troop, that posed trouble through electro-magnetic waves.

 

"Soldiers need to have the capability of striking and launching missiles independently. The combat capability calls for more practice," said He Xianda, sergeant major of missile frigate of Rocket Force.

 

In its annual plan, the Rocket Force will focus on the collective launch of various types of missile, and test China's ability to win a war using information technology.

 

"The Rocket Force will develop new ways of strategic thinking, and establish standards and goals that live up to its name. It is also part of the modernisation of the army," said Zhang He, commandeer of missile brigate of Rocket Force.

 

The Rocket Force -- formerly China’s 2nd artillery force -- is the PLA’s strategic deterrent. It will run in parrallel with the nation's land, navy and air forces. It was only part of the reform process the army is currently going through.