China building new defence facility near Pangong Lake: Why India must watch closely | Explained

Satellite images revealed command and control buildings, barracks, vehicle sheds, munition storage, and radar positions coming up on the eastern edge of Pangong Lake. (Image Source: X/@AllSourceA)

Recent satellite imagery has revealed that China is constructing a major defence complex near Pangong Lake in Tibet, not far from the site of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The development highlights Beijing’s continued efforts to strengthen its military posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), even as diplomatic engagement between India and China resumes.

Satellite images from the OSINT arm of India Today and US-based space intelligence provider Vantor show command and control buildings, barracks, vehicle sheds, munition storage, and radar positions on the eastern edge of Pangong Lake. The area is approximately 110 kilometres from the location where Indian and Chinese troops clashed during the Galwan Valley standoff.

What stands out to defence analysts are the covered missile-launch positions, seemingly equipped with sliding or retractable roofs. These are designed for Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles capable of carrying, elevating, and firing missiles. “This covered missile launch position features a roof with hatches, allowing the launchers to remain concealed and protected while firing through the hatches when opened,” said experts at US-based geospatial intelligence firm AllSource Analysis. “This configuration reduces opportunities to detect the presence or exact positions of TELs within the complex and shields them from possible strikes.”

Each of these positions appears capable of holding two TEL vehicles. AllSource Analysis experts also noted that the facility may house China’s long-range HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system, based on the Russian S-300, which features advanced radar tracking and guidance. The infrastructure includes wired data connections that link parts of the HQ-9 air defence system to the command-and-control centre. Construction of the second facility near Pangong Lake was first spotted in late July by geospatial researcher Damien Symon, but the existence of covered missile launch positions was only revealed later.

A replica of this complex has been identified at Gar County, around 65 kilometres from the LAC, directly opposite the strategically important Nyoma airfield. India recently upgraded the Mudh airfield, one of the highest in the world at 13,710 feet, at a cost of Rs 230 crore. Satellite footage from 29 September shows at least one open roof at a launch bay, potentially revealing the TEL launchers themselves.

From India’s perspective, this development is significant because it demonstrates that China is continuing to modernise and conceal advanced missile capabilities close to the border. While diplomatic ties are improving, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meetings with President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Tianjin and resumption of Kailash Mansarovar yatra, New Delhi cannot afford to overlook China’s strategic moves.

The timing is particularly sensitive as India also navigates rising tensions with the United States over tariffs. Beijing has backed India on trade issues, with Ambassador Xu Feihong stating that compromise on trade only “emboldens the bully.” Direct flights between India and China are set to resume from 9 November, and tourist visas for Chinese citizens have been reissued after a five-year pause.

India must therefore continue to maintain vigilance and strengthen its own high-altitude infrastructure while engaging diplomatically. The construction near Pangong Lake underlines that while dialogue continues, China’s military preparedness along the LAC remains a strategic concern for New Delhi.