Construction work is going on at a rapid pace on the eastern bank of Pangong Lake in Tibet, just 110 km away from where the clash between India and China took place in 2020. Satellite images have revealed that China has built a new air defense complex near the Indian border. It has covered positions for missile launchers, which will remain hidden and safe. Experts say that this is a new attempt to strengthen China’s air defense against India.
Missile bunker in Gar County: threat to Nyoma Airfield
Satellite imagery clearly shows a new air base in Gar County. defense The center is being built. This place is just 65 kilometers away from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Right opposite India’s recently upgraded Nyoma airfield.
Researchers from American company AllSource Analysis (ASA) first identified its design. Command and control buildings, barracks, vehicle sheds, weapons storage and radar sites have been built here.
The most special thing is these covered missile launch positions. These have sliding roofs, which are for Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles.
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These vehicles carry, elevate and fire the long-range HQ-9 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Intelligence experts believe that these hardened bunkers are built to hide missiles and protect them from attacks.
Similar complex near Pangong
A similar complex is being built on the eastern end of Pangong Lake. There are the same facilities here too – command centre, barracks, radar and missile launch bay.
Satellite images (of September 29) from American space intelligence company Venter confirmed that the roofs of these launch bays were about to slide. Each bay can accommodate two vehicles. In one picture the roof was seen open, in which launchers are probably visible.
ASA analysts said that these roofs are hatched. The launchers will remain hidden and at the time of attack they will be able to open the roof and fire missiles. With this the enemy will not know where the TELs are. There will also be protection from attack.
These bunkers have been built for the first time on the India-Tibet border, but in the south China Such incidents have been seen before on Chinese military bases on the disputed islands of the ocean.
Construction since July: work still incomplete
China is nearing the completion of a military-linked complex on Pangong Lake’s eastern edge, featuring garages, a highbay & protected storage, the site is located near a Chinese radar complex & may evolve into a SAM position or another weapons-related facility pic.twitter.com/WZGAMCc1B3
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) July 24, 2025
The initial construction of this Pangong complex was identified by geospatial researcher Damien Simon in late July, but the secret of the missile bunkers was not revealed then. The work near Pangong has still not been completed.
ASA told another special thing – data connection system related to wires. This will connect the HQ-9 system to its command center, so that everything can be controlled faster.
What does it mean for India?
These new bunkers will strengthen China’s air power, especially Ladakh And in eastern Ladakh. Nyoma Airfield is an important military airport of India. These bunkers can become a direct threat to Gar County.
Experts say that China is further tightening its defense on the border. India will also have to increase its surveillance. Satellite images clearly show that China’s preparations are serious.
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