China’s most advanced stealth fighters deployed just 150 km away from Sikkim
Less than 290 km separate Shigatse, where the Chinese J-20 was seen, from Hasimara in West Bengal, where India has its second squadron of 16 Rafales.
In a significant strategic move, China has deployed its advanced J-20 stealth fighters jets near the Indian border, specifically at the Shigatse Airport in Tibet. This deployment places these cutting-edge aircraft within close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, raising concerns about regional security dynamics.
The J-20 Stealth Fighter, known for its advanced stealth capabilities and cutting-edge technology, is China’s most sophisticated operational aircraft. The decision to station these fighters at Shigatse Airport, located at a high altitude of 12,408 feet, showcases China’s intent to bolster its air power in the region.
China Deploys Stealth Fighters: India Bolsters Defense in Response
Accompanying the J-20 fighters is the KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft, which enhances the Chinese Air Force’s operational capabilities by providing crucial early warning and control support.
The deployment of these aircraft near the Indian border in Tibet, particularly in Shigatse, places them approximately 150 kilometers from the Indian border in Sikkim. This strategic positioning enables China to assert its air power in close proximity to India, potentially impacting the regional security landscape.
In response to China’s deployment, India has taken proactive measures to bolster its defense capabilities. India’s fleet of 36 French-built Rafale fighter jets, with the second squadron stationed in Hasimara, West Bengal, approximately 290 kilometres from Shigatse, serves as a key component of India’s defence strategy.
India has also focused on enhancing its airbases with hardened shelters and expanding its surface-to-air missile defences. Notably, India has deployed the Russian-built S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, equipped with the capability to effectively track and neutralize stealth aircraft like the J-20.
The positioning of the J-20 fighters in Tibet highlights the strategic importance of the region in China’s military planning. Tibet’s proximity to India, as well as its strategic location bordering multiple countries, adds complexity to the security dynamics in the region.
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