China is rapidly expanding its military footprint along the Himalayan frontier with India, significantly upgrading six key air bases in Tibet and Xinjiang - posing a growing challenge to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Satellite images reveal substantial enhancements to airfields in Tingri, Lhunze, Burang, Yutian, Yarkant, and a sixth undisclosed location, with new infrastructure such as hardened shelters, fuel storage, and drone operations facilities.
These upgrades appear to mark a strategic recalibration of China's air posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), eroding the traditional advantage India held with more frontline bases and easier operational conditions on the plains.
Historically, high-altitude bases on the Tibetan plateau limited Chinese aircraft performance due to thinner air, affecting payloads and engine efficiency. India’s air bases, mostly on lower terrain, allowed fighters to operate with full loads of fuel and weaponry. However, this gap is narrowing as China modernises both its air infrastructure and aircraft capabilities, reported NDTV.
Former IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd.) highlighted that airbases like Tingri, Lhunze, and Burang are located just 25 to 150 km from the LAC, offering the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) faster access to regions in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
China’s military modernisation includes the deployment of drones, loitering munitions, electronic warfare units, air-to-air refueling tankers, and airborne early warning aircraft. Although these systems may not all be based at forward locations, they are closely integrated into operations, significantly enhancing China’s strike range and resilience.
China has also developed a strategy of “airbase clusters,” which ensures that if one air base is attacked, nearby facilities can quickly pick up operations - improving survivability and tactical flexibility.
The PLAAF currently has a formidable fleet of over 1,300 fourth-generation or better fighter jets, including approximately 195 J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighters. India, meanwhile, has yet to deploy a stealth aircraft, with its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft still under development.
While China’s advancements are notable, the IAF is also modernising. Key Indian air bases such as Ambala and Hasimara have seen upgrades, including extended runways, hardened shelters, advanced radar systems, and improved cyber and communication infrastructure.
Despite the upgrades on both sides, analysts caution that China’s evolving capabilities - both in technology and infrastructure - may grant it greater operational flexibility and endurance near the LAC.