Mittens
In the Tibet Autonomous Region, fortified complexes with retractable roofs are being created. They are China’s new defense bet.
New satellite images and analyzes carried out by commercial geospatial intelligence companies indicate that China is building at least two fortified air defense complexes in the Tibet Autonomous Region, with retractable roof shelters designed to hide missile launchers.
The installations in Gar County and near Pangong Lake even feature large reinforced structures believed to house carrier-launcher vehicles (TELs) capable of firing while remaining largely hidden, explains the
“The ability to fire from fortified shelters increases survivability and complicates the identification of targets by the adversary”, explain analysts. “These complexes demonstrate a evolution in Chinese air defense infrastructure, towards greater concealment and resilience.”
O System hQ-9, Roughly comparable to the latest variants of the Russian S-300P series, it is capable of hitting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles at long distances.
A typical HQ-9 battery includes several wheeled TELs, each carrying up to four interceptors, supported by external radars and command vehicles.
According to analysts, China’s growing dependence on fortified and hidden facilities reflects what is observed in Russia, North Korea and Iran, countries in which governments have invested heavily in underground and fortified defenses to face the threat of precision attacks.
In recent years, Beijing has built new airfields, radar stations and missile emplacements across Tibet and Xinjiang.
