Chinese Combat Soldiers Get New Smart Watches

The Chinese People's Liberation Army has handed over smart watches to individual combat solders that provide secure communication, navigation and a host of other features.

A photo of the watch released on state media shows icons for message, heart rate and satellite signal strength among others.

PLA Daily reported that developed by the PLA Navy, the smart watches are equipped with smart verification systems, electronic compasses, BeiDou satellite navigation and other remote receivers.

With the help of the watch, individual soldiers can send voice messages together with their locations if they need assistance in the field. Basic military information, such as battle scenarios, can also be shown on the watch, which will improve the combat capabilities of the soldiers.

Testing of the watches has shown a marked reduction in the time it takes to locate and extract an injured soldier.