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On 27 May, a satellite picture revealed that China had deployed its J-20 aircraft at Shigatse airbase in Tibet. The imagery shows six J-20 aircraft, eight J-10 aircraft, and one KJ-500 airborne Early Warning aircraft on the tarmac.
These deployments are regularly monitored and recorded.Purpose of these deployments are generally for:-
1. During Peace Time- Operate aircraft from a new base to ascertain and address the short comings / problem areas (including aircraft operations from high altitude area).
2. During Peace/No war No Peace conditions – For Political Signalling.
3. During Pre War Hostile situation – For Strategic Coercion.
4. During Hostilities – For war fighting ( In this case the air assets are dispersed, camouflaged and protected.
In this case the aircraft are positioned on the tarmac in a line, not dispersed, camouflaged, or under protected shelters. This deployment seems to be mainly under number 1 category, and to some extend the second one.
Pic Coutesy: Internet
China claims J-20 to be 5th generation aircraft with superior performance, stealth features, advanced avionics and potent weapon suit. It claims it to be at par with or better than F-22 and F-35 of USA. It carries PL-15 Air to air missile with claimed range of 300 km.
These claims have not been demonstrated or proven anywhere during the air shows or air combat exercises. Notwithstanding, credit needs to be given to the adversary and one should prepare for the worst case scenario.
Pic Courtesy: Internet
Shigatse is a dual purpose airfield in Tibet, located at a height of 12,408 ft. It is located approximately 150 km from the Sikkim LoC and 300 km from Hashimara base.
China has been upgrading its air war fighting infrastructure Including 37 airports and heliports) in the Tibet area.
Pic Courtesy: Internet
The deployment is a significant occurrence considering the prevailing Situation.
China’s military power and capability is growing rapidly.
It is displaying a belligerent and aggressive attitude.
It has expansionist aspirations.
Having annexed Tibet, it is looking at Taiwan next.
It has also expressed claims on Arunachal Pradesh.
With India, China has been following the policy of “keep the pot boiling”, besides salami slicing and String of pearls”. In the last decade, major Conflicts (skirmishes / Clashes / Encounters / Scuffles) have taken place at regular interval. In 2017, There was a standoff at Doklam in the Sikkim area. Post Galwan incident three years back, the situation is still not normal with both sides forward deploying their forces.
Possibility of Chinese action in the Eastern sector cannot be ruled out. This could be as a diversionary tactics for annexation of Taiwan or post Taiwan for annexation of Indian territory.
India has taken cognisance of the challenge and adopted a multi-prongrd approach to deal with it.
Air power capability is being increased in the eastern sector with stationing and operationalisation of Rafael fighter aircraft, S-400 Air defence system, Combat support aircraft (fixed wing, helicopters, and UAVs). The combat enhancing infrastructure is being developed on a fast track.
Question
Are we doing enough and at the required pace?
Bottom Line
We have woken up late and gone into 3rd/4th gear. We need to get into even higher gear.
Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
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