China has tested a system that provides commanders with real-time battlefield data as it continues to modernise its armed forces.

The exercise, dubbed North Sword 0709, involved 2,000 soldiers equipped with an electronic device which constantly transmits information back to headquarters about battlefield conditions.

The system collects information about casualties, food, ammunition and supplies.

The exercise is part of a massive effort by China to improve military information collection systems, an area lacking in the People’s Liberation Army.