Amid India-China Border Row, Beijing’s Massive Military Presence in Tibet – Fighter jets, Attack Helicopters Deployed

In just two of the airfields in Tibet, there are over a dozen fighters, over 40 helicopters and other PLAAF aircraft. In Lhasa, there are four multirole J-10s, one of the ‘regulars.’

The Chinese Air Force–the PLAAF– continues to be present in strength in Tibet as disengagement talks between India and China after the Galwan buildup are still continuing and de-escalation is yet to happen.

In just two of the airfields in Tibet, there are over a dozen fighters, over 40 helicopters and other PLAAF aircraft. In Lhasa, there are four multirole J-10s, one of the ‘regulars.’ The J-10 became part of the PLAAF about 20 years ago and the Chinese have given the plane to Pakistan. Also, in Lhasa there are 37 helicopters.

At Hoping/Shigatse, there are a dozen fighters– 10 J8 interceptors and two J7s, which are primarily for air-to-air combat– and four helicopters. Besides, there is a Shanxi KJ500 airborne early warning and control aircraft there. Why an eye in the sky aircraft, which clearly enhances the operational abilities of the fighters, is parked there, is not clear. There is also a Y20, a large military transport plane and about a dozen UAVs.

Importantly, the H6, which is a long range bomber and was seen in Tibet at the height of the crisis is not there. Nor is the J20, which is the best Chinese fighter, seen either at Lhasa or Hoping/Shigatse. Clearly, while the worst may be over as disengagement is mostly complete apart from two areas and the tension levels have come down considerably, the PLAAF does not have their top of the line fighter there. But the presence of the J10 and other fighters is a reminder that the PLAAF is still a force in Tibet.

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Via: timesnownews | Srinjoy Chowdhury