Satellite images have revealed that China has positioned six of its most advanced J-20 stealth fighter jets at the Shigatse dual-use airport in Tibet. This strategic location is approximately 150 kilometers from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India China, and near the sensitive Doklam region. The deployment of these fifth-generation fighters has raised eyebrows and drawn attention to the simmering tensions between the two Asian giants.
Analysis of imagery collected over Shigatse Air Base in China shows the deployment of six likely J-20 stealth fighter aircraft near the Indian border. https://t.co/epfzHD3Daa#GEOINT #China #Shigatse #J20 pic.twitter.com/hyijF3T1ao
— AllSource Analysis (@AllSourceA) May 29, 2024
The J-20, also known as the “Mighty Dragon,” came into service in 2017, and China is believed to have a fleet of around 250 of these cutting-edge aircraft. These fighters represent a significant leap in China’s air power capabilities and are designed for stealth, agility, and advanced avionics.
The Deployment and Its Significance
The Chinese J-20s were spotted near the small Indian Himalayan state of Sikkim, which lies between Nepal and Bhutan. Satellite images show the six J-20 stealth fighters parked at the Shigatse airport, situated at an altitude of 12,408 feet above sea level – making it one of the highest airports in the world. Alongside the J-20s, a KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft was also observed at the same airport.
India, in response, has deployed its fleet of 36 French-built Rafale fighter jets, stationed less than 300 kilometers away at the Hasimara base in Bengal. Additionally, another Indian squadron of 16 Rafales is positioned approximately 180 miles from the Shigatse airport. These Rafales are formidable multi-role fighters equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and precision-guided munitions.
Furthermore, India has bolstered its defenses by deploying Russian-built S-400 surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs) near the border. The S-400 is renowned for its long-range interception capabilities and can effectively counter both aircraft and missiles. Despite these developments, there is no indication of an imminent large escalation of tensions between India and China.
India China Clash: Historical Context and Ongoing Tensions
The deployment of J-20s near the disputed border is not unprecedented. Over the past five years, China has steadily expanded its air power capacity in Tibet and other areas near India. This expansion includes the construction of new air bases and upgrades to existing infrastructure. However, there is no immediate indication of large-scale escalation between India and China due to this recent deployment.
The historical context between the two countries is essential to understanding the significance of such military movements. In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, China invaded India in a month-long campaign. The conflict resulted in thousands of casualties before China withdrew to its original positions under Soviet pressure. Since then, India China have agreed not to arm their border soldiers with firearms to prevent unintentional escalation.
Advanced features of J-20 Stealth Fighters
The Chengdu J-20, also known as the Mighty Dragon, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Let me break down its key features in simpler terms:
- Stealth Design: The J-20 is designed to be sneaky! It has a special shape that makes it hard for enemy radar to detect.
- Canard Delta Configuration: The J-20 features a canard delta wing design, extra little wing near the front. This extra wing help it fly better and do cool maneuvers.
- Modern Fly-by-Wire System: The J-20’s computer brain helps the pilot control it smoothly, provides precise control and stability during flight.
- Diverterless Supersonic Inlet (DSI): This fancy term means the way air goes into the engines. The J-20 has a cool design that makes it go super fast without making too much noise.
- V-Shaped Tail and Tail Fins: The back part of the J-20 looks like a “V.” It helps keep the plane steady and balanced.
- Fire Control System and Engine Management: The J-20 has smart systems to aim its weapons and take care of its powerful engines.
Key flashpoints along the LAC
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India China has several key flashpoints that have drawn attention due to their potential for conflict:
- Eastern Ladakh Standoff:
- In the western sector of the LAC, there has been an ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh. This standoff, which began in June 2020, remains unresolved and is one of the longest such incidents between India and China since the Sumdorong Chu crisis in 1986–87.
- The clash in June 2020 resulted in multiple casualties, with twenty Indian soldiers losing their lives and an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties.
- Despite nineteen rounds of Corps Commander level talks between India China, little progress has been made in resolving the standoff. Some disengagement has occurred, leading to the creation of “buffer zones” in five contested areas.
- Tensions in Arunachal Pradesh:
- In the eastern sector of the LAC, tensions are brewing in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
- In December 2022, Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Yangtse along the LAC in the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
- China’s efforts to strengthen its claims in the area include building xiaokang “model” villages, renaming places, and issuing new border laws that are provocative for India.
These flashpoints highlight the delicate balance and potential risks along the India China border.
Current India China relations
As the calendar turned to 2024, India China maintained “effective communication.” Diplomats met in Beijing, discussing ways to resolve the standoff in eastern Ladakh. The Chinese military declared the situation “generally stable.” But stability is a fragile balance. The length of india china border is 3,488 km as per the Ministry of Home Affairs.The LAC’s twists and turns demand vigilance. Buffer zones, withdrawal positions, and trust-building remain elusive goals for India China.
Beyond the border, India China vie for influence. Bhutan and the Maldives witness their shadow play. Economic corridors, naval bases, and regional alliances shape their moves. The Belt and Road Initiative, India’s Act East Policy, and the Quad alliance add layers to the geopolitical chessboard.
