New satellite evidence points to a substantial military expansion by China along its border with India, with the detection of at least two advanced missile bunker sites in the vicinity of Pangong Lake. These newly constructed, heavily fortified facilities are located in China’s western Tibet Autonomous Region, near a critical and sensitive sector of the India-China frontier. Intelligence suggests these bunkers are being prepared to host China’s HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missile system, a crucial element of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) air defense strategy. The HQ-9 system is designed to counter multiple aerial threats, including advanced aircraft and drones, and its deployment near Pangong Lake could significantly extend China’s operational reach. The bunkers are built with features like retractable roofs, typical for protecting and concealing missile launchers, and imagery indicates the presence of TELs. These sites are not mere temporary outposts but are being developed into permanent military installations, complete with underground command centers, ammunition storage, and personnel quarters. This strategic construction aims to enhance China’s ‘anti-access and area denial’ (A2/AD) posture, potentially putting Indian air assets within its engagement range. The design of these fortifications mirrors those previously observed by China in the South China Sea, indicating a calculated approach to military engineering. The findings contribute to a growing perception that China is fortifying its border infrastructure for sustained operations, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship along the LAC.
