A new Chinese heliport is being built 20 km east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Arunachal Pradesh’s sensitive Fishtails region, NDTV reported.
This strategic construction could allow China’s military to quickly deploy resources to the remote area along the Indo-China border.
Satellite images from EOS Data Analytics reveal no construction at the site as of December 1, 2023, but by December 31, land clearing had begun, the report mentioned.
The latest images from September 16 show the heliport nearing completion. Geospatial experts like Damien Symon suggest that this heliport will enhance China’s surveillance, intelligence gathering, and troop deployment in the difficult terrain of the region.
The facility includes three completed hangars, four under construction, a large helicopter apron, and an air traffic control unit. While primarily military, it could also serve civilian functions. This construction strengthens China’s defensive and offensive capabilities, allowing rapid troop mobilization in case of conflict, the report said.
The Fishtails region, named after the shape of the LAC in this area, is a disputed zone where India and China have differing views on the boundary. According to retired Lt. General Pravin Bakshi, the heliport poses a threat to sensitive areas and could lead to increased tensions. He emphasizes the need for India to prepare an appropriate response in coordination with the Indian Air Force to counter potential Chinese gray-zone warfare.
The heliport’s 600-meter runway enables rolling take-offs for helicopters in high-altitude environments. While at a lower altitude than the Tibetan plateau, the area still benefits helicopter operations, allowing for larger payloads.
China’s move comes as it continues building ‘Xiaokang’ or dual-use villages along the LAC to assert territorial claims. These villages, along with road networks, are part of China’s broader territorial strategy, described by General Bipin Rawat as “salami slicing.”
India has responded with its ‘Vibrant Villages’ project to develop over 3,000 border villages, including those in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, a 2,400-kilometer trans-Arunachal highway is being built to improve connectivity to the region. Despite India’s efforts, retired Lt General Bakshi notes that the area remains underdeveloped, NDTV reported.
