Attack aircraft, military vehicles visible at new China-Laos base, satellite images show
Security analysts said the runway could later support larger aircraft and surveillance operations as construction continues at the site.
- On Tuesday, Reuters reported satellite imagery from September 30 shows eight Chinese K-8 light attack jets and more than two dozen support vehicles at the new Ban Keun training facility in Laos.
- During the Vietnam War, Ban Keun served as "Lima Site 44," an airfield for Air America, a Central Intelligence Agency-linked airline that delivered Hmong troops and supplies to combat zones.
- Singapore-Based security analysts and Vantor specialists identified the aircraft as K-8 models; scholar Collin Koh noted the planes are of "questionable serviceability," suggesting training focus over combat capability.
- The facility marks China's latest expansion of its overseas military footprint, which historically lacks a strong network beyond the South China Sea, port access in Ream, Cambodia, and a logistics base in Djibouti.
- Rachel Vandenbrink of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said "Laos does have some geostrategic value as an accessible foothold in mainland Southeast Asia," citing its border with China and railway links.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Belt and Road paving way for China's military presence in SE Asia
Last week, eight Chinese-made light attack jets sat on a half-finished runway at Ban Keun, flanked by more than two dozen military support vehicles, offering the first aerial glimpse of a new Chinese-Lao military facility north of the Lao capital, Vientiane. The speed of the buildup and the earthmoving visible around the airstrip in the […]
Chinese military facility in Laos raises questions about Beijing’s Indo-Pacific reach
New satellite imagery shows Chinese-made light attack aircraft and military vehicles deployed at a newly opened Chinese-supported air facility in Laos, fueling debate among security analysts over whether the site could eventually expand Beijing’s military reach in mainland Southeast Asia.
The Independent
Satellite images show attack jets at Chinese military facility in Laos
Chinese-made Hongdu JL-8 jets seen stationed at China’s first full-fledged overseas airbase
In Laos and the South China Sea, China is creating new military infrastructure. Satellite images show the rapid progress of both construction projects.
Satellite images reveal eight light attack aircraft and more than 20 military support vehicles deployed to the new China-Laos joint training center in Laos, while the runway is still under construction.
Satellite images show attack jets, vehicles at new China-Laos base | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HONG KONG/BANGKOK >> Light attack aircraft and military vehicles have arrived at the new China-Laos joint training facility announced on Sept. 29, according to satellite images reviewed
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