China builds 36 hardened aircraft shelters at Lhunze airbase near Arunachal border amid major expansion: Report

High-resolution visuals from Vantor (formerly Maxar) also indicate the presence of CH-4 drones on the airbase tarmac (Photo for representational purpose)

Fresh satellite imagery reveals that China has completed extensive expansion work at its Lhunze airbase in Tibet, situated around 40 kilometres north of the McMahon Line - the de facto boundary between India and China in the Arunachal Pradesh sector.

As per a latest NDTV report, the upgraded base now features 36 hardened aircraft shelters, new administrative buildings, and an expanded apron area.

Located roughly 107 kilometres from Tawang, a key town in Arunachal Pradesh, the enhanced infrastructure enables China to forward-deploy fighter aircraft and drones, significantly reducing response time for potential operations along the eastern border, the report further said.

High-resolution visuals from Vantor (formerly Maxar) also indicate the presence of CH-4 drones on the airbase tarmac. Designed for high-altitude missions, the CH-4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle can fire short-range air-to-surface missiles from altitudes exceeding 16,000 feet.

Equipped with an electro-optical sensor turret and operated through a ground-based datalink, it serves as a potent surveillance and attack platform in Tibet's rugged terrain, NDTV report added

India's counter to this growing aerial capability is expected by 2029, when the Indian Air Force and Indian Army begin inducting the General Atomics-built Sky Guardian drones. Each service is slated to receive eight units, while the Indian Navy will operate 15 Sea Guardian variants under a $3.5 billion acquisition deal.

These US-built drones are set to boost India's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capacity across the Himalayas while also enabling precision strike missions. At present, India relies on Israeli-made Heron and Searcher UAVs, which offer comparatively limited performance.