What is China doing at such heights in Tibet? The research report revealing the truth about PLA is surprising.

New Delhi: China is laying a network of helicopter bases in Tibet. This is a big challenge to India’s security. Research by the Takshashila Institution has revealed that about 90% of China’s helipads in Tibet are at an altitude of 3,300 to 5,300 meters (10,000 to 17,400 ft) above sea level. 80% of these helipads are at an altitude of more than 3,600 meters. This disclosure is an alarm bell for India because China can use these helipads to rapidly transport troops and weapons to the border.

China’s conspiracy on India-Bhutan border

Research has also shown that China is building these helipads near the border with India and Bhutan. These helipads are an important part of China’s military strategy and have increased the threat to India. 109 helipads have been studied in the research. Of these, only two helipads are at an altitude of 780 to 2600 meters. 32 helipads are located at an altitude of 2700 to 3600 meters, 44 helipads are located at 3700 to 4300 meters and 25 helipads are located at an altitude of 4400 to 4700 meters. Six helipads are at an altitude of 4800 to 5400 meters.

Shocking revelations in the research report

Professor Y Nithyanandam, head of the geospatial research program at the Takshashila Institution in Bengaluru, has written an article for The New Indian Express. In this he/she said that China can use these helipads for military operations. he/she can use them for movement of troops and weapons, to increase surveillance and to provide help in emergency situations.

The research report led by Dr. Nithyanandam states that China is rapidly increasing its military capability in the highlands. Earlier, flying helicopters in high altitude areas was considered a weakness of China, but now it is rapidly overcoming this shortcoming. As part of its military strategy, China is also expanding helipads as well as airstrips. It plans to use airstrips less than 1,000 meters long for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

China is continuously increasing its military capability

Over the past decade, China has invested heavily in helicopter infrastructure, increasing its military capability. This investment is not just a response to incidents like the 2017 Doklam standoff or the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict. Rather, it is a deliberate strategy aimed at ensuring long-term gains in an area where geographical conditions and altitude pose serious challenges to PLA (People’s Liberation Army) troops. For example, the Z-20 and Z-8L helicopters are specifically designed to operate in the difficult conditions of the Tibetan Plateau, demonstrating China’s will to overcome obstacles posed by adverse conditions.

The report said, ‘The speed with which China is building heliports reflects its aggressive military expansion.’ Some heliports included in the study are being modernized and some new heliports are being built. China is laying a network of helicopter bases near LAC. Helipads and airports have been built at a distance of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 25 kilometers, 50 kilometers, 100 kilometers and 200 kilometers from the LAC.

Are there any preparations for war?

These helipads will help in military operations and deployment of troops on the border. By combining these helipads with other military facilities such as radar stations and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites, China is creating a strong military network that it can quickly deploy in the event of any border dispute. The report says that India needs to be cautious of this move by China. India will have to strengthen its military capability and keep a close watch on China’s actions.