区块链技术在军事领域中的应用探究

　　在未来几年中，国防研究界有望在基于区块链技术的军事领域寻找新的应用，其中主要的候选领域包括网络防御、安全消息传递、弹性通信、后勤支持和网络国防物联网。

In the coming years, the defence research community is expected to look for new applications in the military field based on block chain technology, the main candidate areas of which include cyberdefence, security messaging, flexible communications, logistical support and networking of cyberdefence objects.

　　近年来，区块链作为比特币的底层技术得到了世界各国的重视，其与物联网及AI等新一代信息技术的结合发展，被广泛应用于数字货币、金融征信和供应链管理等领域。通过采取分布式的存储结构来确保信息真实性及完整性、运用共识算法建立容错机制、部署智能合约验证避免交易风险、发放工作量证明激励用户参与等特征，使得区块链技术在军事领域同样有着广阔的应用发展前景。对区块链技术的充分利用，可以实现军事信息系统的去中心化和后勤保障能力水平的极大提升，更好地保障军事数据安全，实现装备管理的全程化。这种极具创造性的思维和方式可以产生不可估量的价值，必将对军事领域产生巨大的影响。

In recent years, block chains have received the attention of countries around the world as bottom technologies in bitcoin, and their development in combination with new-generation information technologies, such as the Internet and AI, has been widely applied in the fields of digital money, financial letters, and supply chain management. By adopting distributed storage structures to ensure the authenticity and integrity of information, using consensus algorithms to create fault tolerance mechanisms, deploying smart contract certification to avoid transaction risks, and issuing workload proof to motivate users to participate, the characteristics of block chain technologies are equally widely applied in the military sphere.

　　各国军事组织响应区块链技术

Military organizations respond to block chain technology

　　现如今，区块链技术在有关网络安全的任何讨论中都具有重要意义，世界各地的军事组织对此积极响应[1]。部队系统的通信能力是任何军事组织的最基本要求之一，通过采取区块链中的分布式账本存储、智能合约等相关技术，可为解决军事空间中存在的问题提供更多机会。要建立世界一流军队，必须从思维、作战与管理等方面响应区块链技术带来的变革，努力提高军事信息化及智能化[2]。

Now, block chain technology is important in any discussion of network security, to which military organizations around the world respond positively [1]. The communications capacity of the force system is one of the most basic requirements of any military organization. By adopting technology such as distributed book storage in the block chain, smart contracts, etc., there are additional opportunities to address problems in military space.

　　W?Scott Stornetta指出，区块链可以被应用于任何行业并使其受益[3]。区块链技术犹如“一座未探明储量的金矿”，引起了以美国为代表的世界主要军事强国的广泛关注，他们纷纷探索区块链技术在军事领域的应用，以期依靠军事科技创新在新一轮军事变革中占据有利位置。

W?Scott Stornetta points out that the block chain can be applied to and benefit from any industry[3]. The block chain technology, like “an undetected gold mine”, has generated widespread concern among the world’s leading military powers, represented by the United States, who have explored the military applications of block chain technology with a view to gaining a favourable place in the new military transformation by relying on military scientific and technological innovation.

　　2016年，北约通信和信息局(NCIA)主办了区块链创新挑战赛，要求提供军事级区块链应用程序及解决方案。该组织呼吁发展有关军事后勤、采购和金融等与军方有关的区块链应用[4]。2018年，美国《国防授权法案》要求其国防部将区块链技术应用于军事领域进行全面研究[5]。

In 2016, the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) hosted an innovative challenge competition for block chain applications and solutions at the military level. The organization called for the development of military-related block chain applications in military logistics, procurement and finance[4]. In 2018, the United States Defense Authorization Act required its Department of Defense to conduct a comprehensive study of the application of block chain technology in the military field[5].

　　韩国也启动了区块链试点项目，以升级国防部门的业务运营，防止国防业务数据的非法更改[6]。此外，俄罗斯军事技术加速器ERA成立了一个特殊的科学实验室，旨在通过使用区块链技术来识别网络攻击，保护关键基础设施[7]。

Korea has also launched a block chain pilot project to upgrade the operational operations of the defence sector to prevent illegal changes in defence operational data[6]. In addition, the Russian military technology accelerator ERA has set up a special scientific laboratory designed to identify cyberattacks and protect critical infrastructure by using block chain technology[7].

　　区块链技术的军事价值

Military value of block chain technology

　　将区块链与物联网及人工智能技术结合应用于军事系统，这种思维理念和管理方式潜力巨大，将使军队未来的发展不同凡响。

The combination of block links with object networking and artificial intelligence technology to be applied to military systems has great potential for thinking and management, which will make the future development of the army distinct.

　　正如欧洲国防事务部所说：“在未来的几年中，国防研究界有望在基于区块链技术的军事领域寻找新的应用，其中主要的候选领域包括网络防御、安全消息传递、弹性通信、后勤支持和网络国防物联网”。因此，深入研究和探讨区块链在军事领域的应用，对于我军认识并打赢未来战争有着深刻的意义[8]。

As the European Ministry of Defence has stated: “In the coming years, the defence research community is expected to look for new applications in the military field based on block chain technology, the main candidate areas of which include cyberdefence, security messaging, flexible communications, logistical support and cyberdefence object networking.” Thus, the in-depth study and exploration of the military applications of block chains have profound implications for our military to recognize and win future wars[8].

　　1. 数据存储真实有效

1. Real and efficient storage of data

　　采用区块链技术进行分布式数据存储，具有不可篡改且不可抵赖的特性，通过运用密码学中的“非对称加密”，解决节点间的相互信任问题。同时，签名验签等机制使得交易不可否认，由于区块链上的共识特性，一旦某个节点出现恶意行为，平台将通过密码学原理将其作恶形成的不可篡改的记录广播到全网节点。

Distributive data storage using block chain techniques has an inexorable and indefensible character, resolving the question of mutual trust between nodes by using “asymmetric encryption” in cryptography. At the same time, mechanisms such as signature checks make it undeniable that, because of the consensual nature of the block chain, the platform will broadcast the improbable records of a particular node to the full web node through cryptography.

　　2. 信息传输安全可靠

2. Safe and reliable transmission of information

　　军事行动的信息传输过程会频繁受到敌方干扰破坏，采用区块链技术可以通过网络共识的方式获取真实有效的信息。只要敌方的破坏力被控制在一定范围之内(全网50%以下的算力)，就可以通过区块链内部的共识机制，用户节点间进行交叉验证来实现信息的验证与准确传输，从而提高网络信息的可信度。

As long as the enemy’s destructive power is kept within a certain range (under 50% of the value of the net), a consensus mechanism within the block chain can be used for cross-checking between user nodes for authentication and accurate transmission of information, thus enhancing the credibility of the network information.

　　3. 反应机制自主灵活

3. Autonomous and flexible response mechanisms

　　区块链技术通过快速网络运算缩短中间流程的延时，提高反应速度。随着无人智能化战争的来临，AI装备将会被广泛应用于军事配置。届时可由区块链网络共识算法与群体智能技术相结合，自主生成新的战术和战法。

Block chain technology reduces the delay of intermediate processes and increases the speed of response by fast network operations. As unintelligent warfare approaches, AI equipment will be widely used in military configurations.

　　4. 网络架构坚实稳定

4. Network architecture is solid and stable

　　美军在海湾战争时提出通过摧毁关键节点来获得优势的“五环目标”理论;在美军“空海一体战”设想中，也提出要致盲和打击中国太空和作战网络的信息系统。因此，建立稳定可靠的网络架构，是确保未来战争胜利的关键因素之一。通过利用区块链技术去中心化的特点，在部分节点被破坏后，仍可保存数据存储能力和网络计算能力，确保网络的正常运行。

In the Gulf War, the US military proposed a “five ring goal” theory to gain advantage by destroying key nodes; in the US military “one air and sea” scenario, it also proposed an information system that would blind and strike China’s space and war networks. Therefore, the establishment of a stable network architecture is one of the key factors in ensuring future war victory.

　　区块链技术的军事应用场景

Military applications of block chain technology

　　基于区块链的去中心化、不可篡改和信息真实完整等特性，充分利用区块链技术，可以实现军事信息系统的创新变革。目前，区块链技术已经被应用在军用无人机的操控、军用增材制造以及军事供应链的合同追踪等方方面面[9]。本文根据以下4个“区块链+军事”的应用场景展开进一步分析：

On the basis of the features of block chains, such as decentralization, non-frozen and real integrity of information, innovative changes in military information systems can be achieved by making full use of block chain technology. The block chain technology has now been applied to all aspects of military drone control, military build-up and contract tracking of the military supply chain.[9] This paper is further analysed on the basis of the following four "block chain plus military" applications:

　　1. 关键武器系统控制与保护

1. Control and protection of critical weapons systems

　　以海军的“宙斯盾”战斗系统为例，它是许多海军驱逐舰的基本组成部分，将军队的数字化与传统武器相结合，保持宙斯盾基础计算和雷达功能的完整性对其功能至关重要。

For example, the Navy's Zeus Shield combat system, which is an essential part of many naval destroyers, combines the digitization of the army with conventional weapons and is essential for its functioning to maintain the integrity of the Zeus Shield base computing and radar function.

　　与任何依赖计算机的系统一样，“宙斯盾”系统的集中性使其易于受到黑客威胁。将区块链用于分散运营宙斯盾战斗系统所需的数据。如果黑客入侵成功，那么整个船只可能会因此受到损害。通过采取区块链技术为“宙斯盾”以及其他军事武器和系统的关键数据提供更高级别的安全性，可以确保所有传入信息都是准确有效的，并且这些致命武器将尽可能与外界威胁隔离[10]。

As with any computer-dependent system, the centrality of the Zeus Shield system makes it vulnerable to hacker threats. The use of the block chain to disperse the data needed to operate the Zeus Shield combat system. If the hacking succeeds, the ship as a whole may suffer as a result. By providing a higher level of security for the key data of the Zeus shield and other military weapons and systems by adopting block chain technology, it is possible to ensure that all incoming information is accurate and effective, and that these lethal weapons will be kept as isolated as possible from external threats [10].

　　2. 管理自动化集群系统

2. Management of automated cluster systems

　　在由大量的简易物理机器人组成的系统中，机器之间以及机器人与环境的交互过程会出现AI集群行为。在军用机器人的使用情况中采取区块链结合的自动化集群协调管理，多架无人机或机器人并行工作可以用于突破敌方的防御并摧毁目标。

In systems made up of a large number of simple physical robots, the AI cluster behaviour occurs in the interaction process between machines and between robots and the environment. In the use of military robots, automated clusters combined with blocks are coordinated and managed, with multiple drones or robots working in parallel to break enemy defences and destroy targets.

　　此外，集群中个体成员的自治性以及对通信和交互的依赖使其容易受到黑客攻击。每个组成部分之间需要协同通信，以此抵御外来恶意攻击[10]。

In addition, the autonomy of individual cluster members and their dependence on communication and interaction make them vulnerable to hacking.

　　3. 战术分队协同系统

3. Tactical unit coordination system

　　基于战术分队区块链的单兵信息交互及智能协同技术依托于区块链所进行的数据分发、采集、交互以及智能协同。作战任务过程中的军事行动价值作为区块链激励，通过战术分队全节点的权益证明机制达成区块链共识，底层的分片机制以及流动性计算拓展能够满足战场环境信息大量并发的实际需求。

The operational value of the operation serves as a block chain incentive to reach a block chain consensus through the tactical branch full node proof mechanism, and the bottom segment mechanism, as well as mobility calculations, can meet the actual demands of large and simultaneous information about the environment in the field.

　　通过区块链密码加密技术可以实现一定程度的自动化，不仅降低了电子邮件的监管成本，还降低了其他形式的机构间和现场通信的监管成本[11]。

Some automation can be achieved through block chain cryptography techniques, reducing not only the regulatory costs of e-mail but also the regulatory costs of other forms of inter-agency and on-site communication [11].

　　4. 非密多域资质身份网

4. Non-confidential multi-domain identity network

　　经许可的公共、非密区块链身份网覆盖所有参与域，为包括目标在内的所有参与实体提供数字身份和公钥加密。通过区块链赋能的自治身份将非密的W3C分布式标识符(DID)分配给各实体，绑定到其文档中的公钥和其他非密元数据，状态保持不变;在无需使用第三方CA的情况下，通过区块链账本在所有参与的安全域的所有身份网节点上进行分发，为数字身份和PKE提供通用的全域可信根。

The licensed public, non-confidential block chain identification network covers all participating domains and provides digital identity and public key encryption for all participating entities, including the target.

　　目标实体在非密网和涉密网都将有服务端点。目标涉密属性的非密可验证表现形式将通过跨域防护装置进行分发，此外可以通过非密服务端点在非密域上获取。下图说明了目标选取区块链上的智能合约如何针对拟议的目标/武器系统组合执行目标选择标准：

The target entity will have service endpoints in both the off- and off-site networks. The non-secret and identifiable manifestations of the target-related properties will be distributed through cross-domain protective devices, and can be obtained in the off-secret domain through the off-custody endpoints. The figure below illustrates how the smart contract on the target selection block chain will implement the target selection criteria for the proposed target/weapons system combination:

　　说明如下：

The description is as follows:

　　(1)成员向目标选取区块链网的许可节点提交处理提案，待审查是否符合使用特定武器系统对其进行攻击的条件;

(1) Members submit proposals for processing to the licensed nodes of the target-selection block chain, subject to review as to whether the conditions for attacking them using a specific weapon system are met;

　　(2)目标选取区块链网的链码使用两个DID自变量来查询目标和武器系统服务端点的具体信息;

(2) The chain code of the target selection block network uses two DD-based variables to search for specific information on the target and weapon system service endpoints;

　　(3)服务端点根据要求以可验证的形式返回所需属性，共享链码所需声明;

(3) The service endpoint returns the required properties in a verifiable form, as required, and the declaration required to share the chain code;

　　(4)交付后，目标选取区块链账本同级节点发布通知;

(4) After delivery, the target picks the serial number of blocks and issues a notice at the same node as the chain of accounts;

　　(5)收到通知后，目标团队成员发布证书，声明目标符合使用武器系统攻击的条件。目标实体持有证书以及所有其他已发布的、声明其各类属性的证书[12]。

(5) Upon receipt of the notification, the members of the target team issue a certificate stating that the target meets the requirements for a weapon-system attack.

　　“区块链+军事”的挑战及对策

Challenges and responses to the “block chain + military”

　　1. 军事信息管控与去中心化存在矛盾

1. Contradiction between military information control and decentralisation

　　由于军事领域的特殊需求，大部分军事信息都带有不同的密级。因此，区块链在信息存储密级分级方面必须严格把握可控性。

Because of the special needs in the military sphere, much of the military information has different levels of confidentiality. Therefore, the block chain must be strictly controlled with regard to the classification of the information stored.

　　针对这一挑战，可以通过适当放弃节点的对等性，构建多中心化而非点对点式的区块链，适当对网络节点进行分级管理，将军事信息密级与区块链存储信息密级相匹配。

In response to this challenge, a multi-centre rather than point-to-point block chain can be constructed through appropriate abandonment of the equality of nodes, and network nodes can be properly managed in a hierarchical manner to match military information levels with the stored information levels in block chains.

　　2. 通信带宽及设备要求过高

2. Excessive communications bandwidth and equipment requirements

　　区块链是分布式的网络结构，信息交换行为比较频繁，这要求节点之间需要保持很高水平的通信带宽，传统的通信手段可能无法很好地满足实际需求。同时，节点本身的硬件设备要求也相对较高，需要提供大容量的内存及高性能的CPU，以保证信息的传递效率。

Block chains are distributed network structures and information exchange practices are frequent, which require a high level of bandwidth between nodes, and traditional means of communication may not be able to adequately meet actual needs. At the same time, nodes themselves have relatively high hardware and equipment requirements, requiring high-capacity memory and high-performance CPUs to ensure efficient transmission of information.

　　因此，在综合性能与成本的考虑之后，可以尽可能使用更高性能的通信设备。也可通过设计超级节点作为普通节点的通信代理，将大量通信流量集中于少部分链路，从而降低网络通信的整体压力，但不可避免会对网络结构的健壮性造成影响。

As a result, higher-performance communication equipment can be used as much as possible after combined energy and cost considerations. It is also possible to concentrate a large amount of communication traffic on a few links by designing a supernode as a communications agent for a normal node, thereby reducing the overall pressure on network communications, but inevitably having an impact on the robustness of the network structure.

　　3. 节点规模和性能效率难以平衡

3. Node size and performance efficiency are difficult to balance

　　过大的节点规模会影响智能合约的处理延时，导致网络的整体性能降低，影响信息交互的效率。一般来说，达成区块共识需要经历“竞争-验证-同步-竞争”的循环过程，整个过程较为繁琐。对于信息要求实时传送的国防及军事应用，处理速度与吞吐量是目前区块链技术面临的性能瓶颈。

In general, building blocks consensus requires a “competition-certification-synchronous-competition” cycle, which is more cumbersome. For defence and military applications requiring real-time transmission of information, processing speed and throughput is a performance bottleneck for current block chain technology.

　　可以使用移动进程演算机制处理这个问题。当出块频繁时，可将一个事务拆成不同的问题集，每个节点只处理一个与其特定需求相关的小碎片事务，然后连接成更大的碎片，最终可以组成一个完整的事务。

This can be done by using a mobile process calculation mechanism. When there are lots of pieces, a matter can be broken down into a different set of questions, with each node dealing with only a small debris matter related to its particular needs, and then connected to larger fragments, eventually forming a complete matter.

　　小结

Summing up

　　将区块链技术与军事领域的结合应用潜力巨大，但目前网络防御措施能力还不能很好地解决潜在的恶意威胁攻击，如何突破技术瓶颈是现今需要重点关注的问题。因此，要加大区块链底层技术的开发与监管力度，使区块链军方系统性能满足军用级标准。另可通过与其他信息技术的深度融合，在弥补区块链技术不足的同时，提高整体系统的运行效率。

While there is great potential for integrating block chain technology with military applications, the current capability of cyberdefence measures does not adequately address potential malicious threat attacks, and how to break through technical bottlenecks is an issue that needs to be addressed today. Therefore, the development and regulation of block chain bottom technologies should be intensified so that block chain military systems can meet military-level standards.

　　综上所述，军方若想在数据争夺战中取得胜利，不仅要积极利用区块链技术的特性，将其与现有的军事系统相结合，从而加强自身的网络防御，更要懂得如何协调处理未来可能存在的矛盾问题，做好应对挑战的准备。

In conclusion, if the military is to succeed in a data contest, it must not only actively exploit the characteristics of block chain technology and combine them with existing military systems, thereby strengthening its own cyberdefence, but also understand how to coordinate possible future contradictions and prepare for challenges.

　　发布日期：2021年5月12日

Publication: 12 May 2021

　　来源：蓝海长青智库

Source: Blue Sea Qing think tank