In a major bid, China has reportedly deployed 12 Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jets at two key airbases near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), raising concerns over Beijing’s military positioning along the India-China border.

According to satellite imagery, eight J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets have been stationed at Hotan Air Base in Xinjiang, located around 245 km from Daulat Beg Oldie, while four aircraft have been spotted at Damshung Air Base in Tibet, around 344 km from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

This is reportedly among the largest deployments of China’s advanced J-20 fighter jets near the LAC.

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Satellite Images Reveal Deployment

Images released by commercial satellite firm Venter on July 9 reportedly showed eight J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighters at Hotan Air Base. A pair of other satellite images taken in late June showed four J-20 stealth fighters at Damshung Air Base, not far from Tibet’s capital.

Strategic Importance Of Chinese Airbases

Hotan Air Base is located approximately 245 km from India’s Daulat Beg Oldie airbase and around 389 km from Leh, making it a significant forward location for China’s Western Theatre Command.

Damshung Air Base, located in Tibet, is positioned around 344 km northwest of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and is considered important for China’s eastern sector operations.

Both airbases are regarded as key operational facilities of the Chinese Air Force along the India-China border. Apart from J-20 stealth fighters, these bases have also seen deployments of KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, interceptor fighters, and CH-4 surveillance and strike drones.

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J-20’s Role In China’s Air Strategy

The J-20 “Mighty Dragon” is China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, designed to reduce detection by enemy radar and infrared tracking systems. Defence analysts say China’s deployment of such aircraft at high-altitude bases reflects its focus on strengthening air capabilities near the LAC.

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