China strengthening Lhunze airbase near Arunachal Pradesh: A strategic threat to India's security?

China has begun developing its Lhunje airbase close to Arunachal Pradesh, India. This airbase is increasingly becoming a large operation hub for the Chinese Air Force. New aircraft shelters, hangars and huge parking areas are being constructed. A recent satellite image of which has emerged. All this is happening when negotiations are in progress between India and China on various platforms on the border issue.

 A sensitive border issue

While so saying, the Army Chief has already stated regarding the dragons that the LAC with China is stable but highly sensitive.The airbase of Lhunje is located in Tibet, around 3,700 metres above sea level. It is just near Tawang in India, which is claimed by China as "South Tibet". Tawang is highly significant both strategically and religiously. From this airbase, the Chinese Air Force can operate extremely close to India's borders.

What is China preparing for?

While Ladakh and the western sector were in the primary headlines following the Galwan clash of 2020, now this emphasis on China's eastern sector is pointing towards a new frontier. The December 2022 Yangtse (Tawang) clash is the latest example. Over the past few years, China has upgraded some airbases close to the LAC like Hotan, Shigatse and Nari Gunsa. Now Lhunje is in focus. Powerful shelters are being constructed for fighter aircraft and drones so that they remain secure in any attack. Moreover, the airbase is being constructed so large that a greater number of aircraft can be stored there. It could involve the deployment of China's J-20 stealth fighter, H-6 bombers and long-range drone WZ-7.

India's counter-preparations

India is not lagging behind, airbases such as Tezpur, Chabua and Hashimara are being made very sophisticated and upgraded. Rafale fighter aircraft, based at Hashimara, have Meteor missiles and advanced sensors, which are able to react to this Chinese pressure. India has enhanced the power of its Air Force as well as constructed roads, bridges and other infrastructures close to the border.

Countering China's aerial threats

India's S-400 air defense system that has been installed close to the Siliguri corridor can be indispensable to making the region secure against aerial attacks. The ground distance of China's this military base is 100 km, but the air distance from Lhunje's Tawang is 10 minutes, hence it makes the Indian response time unmanageable.