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New pictures taken from satellite claim that China has deployed the most modern J-20 stealth fighter jets at two of its important airbases near the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC).
According to the pictures, there are 8 J-20 aircraft at Hotan Airbase in Xinjiang and 4 at Damshung Airbase in Tibet, i.e. a total of 12 J-20 aircraft. This is considered to be one of the largest deployments of J-20 fighter aircraft near the LAC in recent years.
Photos taken on July 9 by commercial satellite company Venter showed eight J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ stealth fighter jets parked on an open apron at Hotan Air Base.
At the same time, in the pictures of June 25, 4 J-20 aircraft were seen under the protective shelter at Damshung airbase. The pictures indicate that China has increased the presence of its most modern fighter aircraft near the LAC.
A total of 12 J-20 stealth fighter aircraft were seen in satellite images at two Chinese airbases near the India-China border in about two weeks.
How close are both the airbases to the Indian border?
Hotan Airbase is about 245 kilometers from India’s Daulat Beg Oldie Airbase and about 389 kilometers from Leh.
At the same time, Damshung Airbase is located about 344 kilometers north-west of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Both these airbases are considered to be the most important forward bases of the Chinese Air Force in the western and eastern sectors of the India-China border.
Why is Hotan Air Base important?
Hotan Air Base, located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is the major forward airbase of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Due to its proximity to the India-China border, it is counted among the most important operational bases of China. Both military and civil aircraft fly from here.
Due to the approximately 3,700 meter long runway, large and heavy military aircraft can also be operated easily here. The airbase has robust aircraft shelters, new aprons and modern operation support facilities.
Apart from J-20 stealth fighter jet, KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, interceptor fighter jet and CH-4 surveillance and strike drone are also deployed here. H-6 strategic bombers are also deployed here during border tensions or during major military exercises.
In the satellite photo, Chinese J-20 stealth fighter planes are visible at the airbase located near the India-China border.
Why is the deployment of J-20 considered important?
Quoting defense sources, the report said that the continuous presence of J-20 fighter planes at the high-altitude airbase is an indication that China is no longer limiting them to just military exercises, but is making them a part of regular operational deployment.
J-20 is China’s fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft. It has been designed to accomplish long range missions while avoiding radar and for modern air combat. It is capable of carrying long-range air-to-air missiles and is among the most advanced fighter aircraft of the Chinese Air Force.
However, based on satellite images alone, it cannot be decided whether these aircraft are permanently deployed or part of any military exercise or rotation. Nevertheless, the sighting of such a large number of J-20 aircraft near the LAC is being considered strategically important.
Military activity still continues on India-China border
This deployment has come at a time when the tension on the 3,488 km long disputed border between India and China has not completely ended.
Following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, several rounds of military and diplomatic talks took place between the two countries. There was also withdrawal of troops from some areas, but despite this, both the countries have deployed a large number of soldiers, armored vehicles, air defense systems and modern weapons on the LAC.
What is the challenge before the Indian Air Force?
According to the report, the Indian Air Force is currently facing the challenge of reduction in the number of fighter aircraft. The delivery of the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A has been delayed, while the process for the procurement of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft is yet to be completed.
In such a situation, the increasing presence of China’s most modern J-20 fighter planes near the LAC is being considered important from a strategic perspective for India. Defense experts believe that continuously monitoring the changes in the air power of both the countries on the border will be even more important in the future.
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