Chinese Air Force Expansion in Tibet

Using high-resolution satellite images. Dr. Nithiyanandam, Head of Geospatial Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution, analysed three operational dual-purpose airports and two airbases under construction in Central Tibet, namely, Shigatse Peace Airport, Lhasa Gonggar Airport, Nyinghchi Manling Airbase, Shigtase Tingri Airbase, and Damxung Airbase. According to him, “China's rapid construction pace and utilization of cutting-edge technology indicate its commitment to maintaining a long-term presence in the region”, located very close to the Indian borders. In this episode, Shrikrishna Upadhyaya quizzes Nithiyanandam on China’s PLA Air Force’s capabilities in the region, construction of underground facilities, strategic location of the airbases, and lessons for India. Reading: Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin: Rapid Military Infrastructure Expansion in Tibet: A Satellite Imagery Analysis Join OpenTakshashila, an initiative by the Takshashila Institution, to creat a global and open community with a strong and unwavering commitment towards meaningful and thoughtful policy discussions.