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China’s Offensive Air Capabilities along LAC

Context

New satellite imagery reveals China's deployment of J-20 stealth fighters to Shigatse airfield, near the Sikkim border.

How China is using its airbases?

China uses its airbases on the Tibetan Plateau These bases feature long runways, essential because high-altitude takeoffs reduce fighter payload capabilities. This advantage isn't shared by the Indian Air Force, whose bases are mostly in lower-altitude plains.
Satellite images of Shigatse Airport reveal a significant presence of fighters, drones, refuelers, and early warning aircraft.
These bases typically house various military assets like fighter jets, helicopters, and drones capable of launching air attacks and reconnaissance missions into neighboring areas.
China's Air Power Expansion:
- Shigatse airfield, close to the Sikkim border, hosts several J-20s, indicating China's strategic move.
- China strengthens air power in Tibet and border areas with new bases and upgraded infrastructure.
- Deployment includes J-20 and H-6 bombers, enhancing border defense.

Indian Response:

India enhances airbases and deploys S-400 missile system for defense.
S-400's effectiveness questioned after being targeted in Ukraine conflict. Both China and India use the S-400 system, despite its vulnerabilities.

Fact Box:

About Shigatse Airfield

Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. It is located at an altitude of 12,408 feet.
Shigatse airfield has a dual-use airport for civil and military use.
The airport, located around 150 kilometers north of India's frontier with Tibet, has a runway stretching 5,000 meters. It is the third longest runway in the world.
Hasimara Air Base: Hosts the Indian Air Force's second squadron of Rafale fighter aircraft tasked with defending the Himalayan frontier over Eastern India.

J-20 Overview:

China's most advanced fighter, the J-20, is operational since 2017.
It is capable of air superiority with advanced sensors and long-range missiles.
It operates within a networked force with drones and electronic platforms.

About S-400 Missile System

The S-400 Triumf is a mobile medium- and long-range air defense system developed in the 1990s and deployed in 2007.
It uses four different missiles (48N6E3, 40N6, 9M96E, 9M96E2) to destroy airborne threats, including legacy S-300 missiles.
Considered equivalent to the US Patriot system, it's the top Russian air defense system.

PYQ

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China’s Offensive Air Capabilities along LAC

How China is using its airbases?

Indian Response:

Fact Box:

PYQ

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