Latest satellite images reveal China scaling up air power along LAC

The Line of Control is a military control line between the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir—a line which does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary, but serves as the de facto border

As per an analysis of satellite images, China has expanded its airfields along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020, giving its military the ability to carry out a wider variety of operations and to counter India's comparative advantages in some places.

Since the military standoff on the LAC started in May 2020, there have been significant changes in the area, demonstrating China's massive expansion of airfields, helipads, railway facilities, missile bases, roads, and bridges for both faster troop deployment and the development of a variety of offensive capabilities.

An analysis of satellite images exclusively provided to Hindustan Times by Planet Labs of airfields at Hotan, Ngari Gunsa and Lhasa shows that the Chinese side has either expanded these facilities by building new runways, hardened shelters designed to protect combat jets, and construction of new support and military operations buildings.

These three Chinese airfields were selected for investigation due to their proximity to important Indian positions and present operational use in the midst of the standoff with India, which has taken bilateral relations to a six-decade low.

Hotan Airfield in southwestern Xinjiang is located about 400km, in a straight line, from Leh, the capital of the Union territory of Ladakh. Hotan Airfield was last expanded in 2002. A satellite image from June 2020 showed no construction or development in the area near the airfield and an existing aircraft apron with combat jets.

Hotan Airfield includes a new runway, new aircraft, and military operations support buildings, and a new apron, according to a satellite image from May 2023. The development of additional weapons storage facilities nearby the airfield serves as support for these enhancements. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been spotted operating out of Hotan in recent satellite photographs of the airbase, and the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter has been stationed there during the standoff.

The distance between Pangong Lake, the scene of numerous clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers and where the Chinese side is constructing a crucial bridge, and the Ngari Gunsa airfield in Tibet Autonomous Region is 200 kilometers. Following the stalemate at Doklam in 2017, the airfield's activities began in 2010 and were later expanded. Combat jets were stationed at the airfield at that time.

Ngari Gunsa has served as a key logistics hub for Chinese forces, acting as a node between areas south of Aksai Chin to deployments further within Tibet.

A satellite image from June 2020 showed only one aircraft apron with combat jets. An image from May this year shows a new taxiway and improvements to the runway. There are also at least 16 new hardened aircraft shelters and new aircraft and military operations support buildings. This airfield, too, shows the presence of UAVs.

Tibet Autonomous Region's administrative capital Lhasa Airport has long been a dual-use facility. Although it is not in the western sector of the LAC, Tawang, the hub of Chinese claims in the eastern sector, is less than 250 km away from this location.

A satellite image from May 2020 showed combat jets on an existing aircraft apron. An image from May this year showed a new runway and a new apron under construction, at least 30 new hardened aircraft shelters, and new support buildings.

Satellite imagery from recent years has shown the construction of underground facilities south of the Lhasa airfield, as well as a radar and electronic warfare unit and an air defense unit.

Indian officials chose not to comment on the analysis. This year, during bilateral discussions and meetings held on the fringes of major forums, India made it clear to China that normalcy along the LAC is necessary for normal bilateral relations.