China AI Military: 9,000 RFPs Expose Space & Undersea Plans
More than 9,000 requests for proposals (RFPs) released by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) between January 2023 and December 2024 reveal a focused effort to integrate artificial intelligence across all military domains, according to analysis by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University.
The RFPs, which are publicly available, demonstrate the PLA’s intent to adopt cutting-edge capabilities, often with surprisingly specific details regarding intended use cases, according to Karen Haigh, a researcher following the developments. Areas of particular focus include decision support systems, psychological warfare tools, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies, and advancements in electronic warfare (EW).
A significant portion of the PLA’s AI procurement is aimed at accelerating decision-making and improving operational precision. RFPs detail requirements for AI-enabled systems capable of analyzing events – including time, location, and circumstances – and predicting future trajectories. This pursuit of rapid analysis is underscored by acquisition timelines frequently limited to just three to six months, as highlighted by Emelia Probasco, a CSET analyst involved in the research.
The PLA is also prioritizing AI applications designed to counter U.S. Military advantages. Specific RFPs call for systems to establish global maritime domain awareness, with a focus on tracking naval activity, including the development of a “global underwater marine environment dynamic analysis system.” the PLA is investing in counter-space technologies intended to challenge U.S. Dominance in space.
Surveillance and cognitive warfare capabilities represent another key area of experimentation. The RFPs suggest an interest in technologies that can influence perceptions and potentially disrupt adversary operations. The DoD’s 2024 report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China corroborates this trend, outlining the PRC’s broader military modernization goals.
The PLA’s structure, as the armed wing of the Communist Party of China (CPC), dictates its strategic alignment with the party’s objectives. The RFPs reflect this alignment, indicating a comprehensive approach to leveraging AI for military advantage.
As of February 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense has not publicly responded to the specific findings of the CSET report regarding the accelerated timelines and detailed specifications within the PLA’s AI procurement requests.