ITANAGAR: China is building a new heliport approximately 20 kilometers east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Arunachal Pradesh's 'Fishtails' region, according to recent reports.
This new facility could enhance China's military capabilities in the remote and less developed region. The construction is part of China's broader strategy to strengthen its military presence on the disputed border with India, causing fresh concerns in New Delhi.
The heliport is situated on the Gongrigabu Qu River in Tibet's Nyingchi Prefecture, which is undisputed Chinese territory. This development raises further questions about China's military ambitions in the area.
Satellite images from EOS Data Analytics indicate that no construction was present on the site as of December 1, 2023. By late December, land clearing had commenced, marking the start of construction.
Images from Maxar, dated September 16, 2024, show significant progress in the construction. The heliport is nearing completion.
Geospatial intelligence expert Damien Symon, who identified the heliport, said the new facility will bolster the PLA's capabilities for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. He noted that the heliport overcomes logistical challenges in the difficult terrain, enabling faster troop deployment and improved patrolling in strategic locations.
Although the heliport is within Chinese territory, its strategic significance is a concern for India. The region, known as the Fishtails due to its border shape, is sensitive for both countries due to differing views on the LAC's location.
The region comprises Fishtail 1 in the Dibang Valley and Fishtail 2 in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. Both areas are critical flashpoints in the ongoing border tensions.
Military experts emphasize that the heliport is crucial for China's operations. The 600-meter runway is designed for helicopter takeoff, crucial for operations at high altitudes. Located at around 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), the lower elevation offers operational advantages, allowing helicopters to carry more payload compared to the higher Tibetan plateau.
While the heliport is primarily a military project, it may also have civilian uses, such as transporting people to remote areas. However, its main role will be to enhance China's readiness to mobilize troops quickly. The facility will improve both defense and offensive capabilities and facilitate rapid response in emergencies.
Satellite images reveal at least three completed hangars, with four more under construction, along with ample apron space for helicopters and other essential infrastructure, including an air traffic control facility.
The heliport's development is part of China's strategy of building "dual-use" border villages, which serve both military and civilian purposes. This approach, known as "salami slicing," involves making incremental advances to change the status quo without full-scale conflict. China has applied this method in other disputed regions, such as Bhutan, where it has constructed townships and road systems in contested areas.
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