Recent satellite imagery has revealed significant changes at China's Jialaishi Air Base, located on Hainan Island in the South China Sea. The images show that the People's Liberation Army (PLANAF) Naval Forces are expanding the facility, building large hangars capable of accommodating more than 20 aircraft.
Among the sighted aircraft are three H-6K or H-6N bombers, as well as six other suspected KJ-500 early warning aircraft and Y-9JB electronic warfare platforms. This expansion signals China's intention to strengthen its military presence in a region crucial to global trade and security. The growing base raises questions about Beijing's long-term strategy in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes and shipping lanes remain contentious.
Jialaishi Air Base, part of the Southern Theater of Operations Command, is located on the northern outskirts of Hainan, a strategic perch overlooking the South China Sea. The new hangars, each measuring approximately 55 meters wide and 65 meters deep, are designed to accommodate large aircraft such as the H-6 series bombers.
The construction includes 15 hangars on the northwest side of the base and four on the southeast, with a separate maintenance building capable of handling two aircraft. This infrastructure implies a commitment to maintaining a reliable air presence, allowing for rapid deployment and expanded operations. The availability of specialized aircraft, in particular the KJ-500 and Y-9JB, indicates a focus on increasing situational awareness and electronic capabilities in the region.
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