China building air defence site near 2020 Galwan clash site, reveal satellite images

The construction activity is underway at the eastern bank of Pangong Tso Lake. (Courtesy: Reuters file photo)

Construction activity is underway in full swing along the eastern banks of Pangong Tso Lake in Tibet, situated approximately 110kms from one of the friction points of the 2020 border clashes.

The most striking element of the facility under construction is a set of covered missile launch positions, India Today said in its report quoting experts. The positions are believed to be equipped with retractable roofs for Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles that can carry, elevate as well as fire missiles.

As per intelligence analysts, these hardened shelters are likely designed to shield and conceal China's long-range HQ-9 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. The HQ-9 is an air-defence system developed locally by China and is capable of intercepting aircraft and ballistic missiles at long ranges.

The design was first identified by researchers at US-based geo-intelligence firm AllSource Analysis, who also noted a replica of this complex at Gar County, roughly 65 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), directly opposite India’s recently upgraded Nyoma airfield.

Researchers at the US-based geo-intelligence company AllSource Analysis were the first to identify the design. They also discovered a replica of the facility at Gar County, located about 65km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), directly opposite India's recently upgraded Nyoma airfield in eastern Ladakh.

"The covered missile launch positions feature a roof with hatches, allowing launchers to remain concealed and protected while firing through the hatches when opened," AllSource Analysis said in a recently-released note.

"This configuration reduces opportunities to detect the presence or exact positions of TELs within the complex and shields them from possible strikes," it added.

The ASA analysts have also noted the presence of wired data connection infrastructure, likely intended to integrate different elements of the HQ-9 air-defence system with its central command hub.

Although the nature of the missile launch locations was unknown at the time, geospatial researcher Damien Symon initially discovered the early stages of development of the second station near Pangong Lake in late July.

China is nearing the completion of a military-linked complex on Pangong Lake's eastern edge, featuring garages, a highbay & protected storage, the site is located near a Chinese radar complex & may evolve into a SAM position or another weapons-related facility pic.twitter.com/WZGAMCc1B3

— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) July 24, 2025