China Expands Radar Network Near Indian Border

China has established over 750 fixed radar sites, with a significant focus on the eastern regions adjacent to Taiwan and Japan. Since 2017, there has been a marked increase in the density of these installations along the Indian border, an area previously less fortified. On October 3, 2023, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari highlighted China's extensive surveillance network along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC), emphasizing its thorough coverage of India's northern border.

In response to China's extensive radar deployment, the IAF Chief underscored the need for India to continuously reassess its own positioning along the LAC. He elaborated on the IAF's strategic initiatives, including the mountain radar project and the agile deployment of low-level lightweight radars. These efforts are aimed at closely monitoring cross-border developments. A key component of the long-term strategy is the installation of mountain radars in pivotal locations, enhancing India's capability to conduct deep surveillance into Chinese territory.

In parallel, China has been fortifying its air defense system to counter potential Indian strikes and neutralize aerial threats. A significant enhancement to its defense network is the introduction of the JY27A, a 3-D long-range air surveillance and guidance radar. This system, positioned near strategic points such as Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh, has a detection radius of 500 km. It effectively covers key northern Indian regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Furthermore, satellite imagery from 2022 disclosed new infrastructural developments by China in the vicinity of Pangong Tso Lake, particularly around the disputed Finger 4 and Finger 8 areas. The construction of a new radome structure in this region is a testament to China's ongoing efforts to amplify its surveillance and defense capabilities.