China scaling up air power across LAC: Satellite images

China's expansion of airfields along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020 has created capabilities for its military to conduct a wider range of operations, and to counter India's comparative advantages in some areas, according to an analysis of satellite imagery.

- Rezaul H Laskar

The changes on the ground since the military standoff on the LAC began in May 2020 show that China has embarked on a massive expansion of airfields, helipads, railway facilities, missile bases, roads and bridges, both for the faster deployment of troops and to create a range 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 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 chosen for analysis because of their locations opposite strategic positions on the Indian side and use in current operations amid the standoff with India, which has taken bilateral relations to a six-decade low. A brutal clash at Galwan Valley in June 2020 killed 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese troops – the first fatalities along the LAC in 45 years.

Indian officials declined to comment on the analysis. India has made it clear to China during bilateral interactions and meetings on margins of international forums this year that normalcy along the LAC is essential for normal bilateral relations.

Hotan airfield in southwestern Xinjiang is located about 400km, in a straight line, from Leh, 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.