The construction activity at the banks of the eastern part of the Pangong Lake in Tibet is in full swing as per the satellite images. According to India Today, the construction has been taking place around 110 km away from one of the friction points of the 2020 border clashes. Researchers at the US-based geo-intelligence firm AllSource Analysis were the first to identify the design.
They also pointed out that a replica of this complex exists just 65 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Gar County, directly facing India’s newly upgraded Nyoma airfield. However, the early stage of this development of the facility was identified in late July by geospatial researcher Damien Symon. But the detailed features, such as covered missile launch positions, vehicle sheds, were not identified at that time.
Images collected by the OSINT arm of India Today and US‑based space intelligence provider Vantor show a facility at the lake’s eastern shore. Notably, the imagery reveals a new Chinese air-defence complex undergoing construction, comprising command and control buildings, barracks, vehicle sheds, ammunition storage, and radar positions.
The India Today report further cited analysts highlighting the facility features, such as a set of covered missile launch positions, believed to be equipped with retractable roofs for Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles that can carry, elevate, and fire missiles. The analysts further said that Intelligence analysts that these hardened shelters could offer concealment and protection for China’s long-range HQ-9 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems.