Big concern for India as China deploys most advanced stealth drone near Sikkim border, it is…
New Delhi: Satellite images have revealed that China has deployed several combat drones at a dual-use military-civilian airport over several weeks between August and September. According to the report, the GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs) were deployed on an operational runway for the first time at the Shigatse Airbase in Tibet, bordering India. This is considered a major expansion of China’s air capabilities, which could shift the balance of power along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. These drones have now reached a semi-operational state and have been deployed for actual combat testing, reports The War Zone.
Air-to-ground strike and ISR missions
The War Zone, citing images available in Planet Labs’ online archive database, reported that three GJ-11 aircraft were spotted at the Shigatse Air Base, also known as Shigatse Peace Airport, between August 6 and September 5. The Sharp Sword drone is believed to be designed to carry out air-to-ground strike and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It can also be used in air-to-air combat as an electronic warfare platform.
Drone deployed only 150 km from Sikkim
At least two drones seen in satellite images of Shigatse Air Base have an all-grey paint job, as commonly seen on other Chinese piloted and non-piloted military aircraft. At least one other appears to have a red/brown protective covering. A Planet Labs image of Shigatse taken on September 10 shows Flanker-type fighter jets with similar camouflage.
Shigatse Airbase is located on China’s southwestern front, just 90 miles (about 145 km) from the Indian state of Sikkim. This airbase is strategically important because it allows China to monitor India’s northeastern front and project air power. This is the same airbase where China’s WZ-7 ‘Soaring Dragon’ reconnaissance drones have previously operated actively.
Shigatse Airbase provides China big advantage over India
It should be noted that Shigatse’s runway is one of the longest in the world. It is at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters, or 16,404 feet, giving China an additional advantage for high-altitude operations. In 2017, a 3,000-meter-long auxiliary runway and seven large parking spots were added. In recent years, the PLA has expanded this airbase, building several new hangars, large aprons, and support infrastructure. This clearly shows that China is developing airbases in Tibet and Xinjiang, not just as surveillance centres, but as fully combat-ready airbases.
How dangerous is the GJ-11 ‘Sharp Sword’ drone?
According to The War Zone, the GJ-11 is China’s most advanced stealth UCAV, which has been under development for the past decade. Its flying wing design resembles the American B-2 Spirit bomber and is designed for penetrating air-to-surface strike and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The report, citing experts, said that this drone is not only capable of carrying out precision strikes against ground targets, but could also serve as a network-operating platform with the J-20 stealth fighter in the future. China is already working on plans to make the two-seater J-20 fighter jet the drone’s “aerial controller.”
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