China has deployed at least 11 fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters at two air bases near India’s northern border, according to an NDTV report based on satellite-image analysis. The aircraft were seen between June and mid-July this year at Hotan air base in Xinjiang and Damshung air base in Tibet. The report also said Beijing had increased the number of advanced aircraft and military exercises along areas adjoining India.

Vantor imagery dated July 9 showed seven J-20s lined up on the runway at Hotan, a dual-use civilian and military facility 245 kilometres from India’s Daulat Beg Oldi air base north of Ladakh. A second image showed four J-20s at Damshung, 344 kilometres from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The report described this as the first time such a large number of stealth aircraft had been seen simultaneously at Chinese bases near the border.

New Space co-founder and former fighter pilot Sameer Joshi called the deployment a permanent threat to the Indian Air Force. India has no indigenous stealth fighter, while its AMCA project may not enter final service before 2035, the report said. India operates 36 Rafales at Ambala and Hasimara. The Indian Air Force did not comment when asked by NDTV.