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.
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16 Articles
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
The images show eight K-8 light fighter aircraft and more than two dozen support vehicles on a runway. More...
Satellite images show eight believed to be K-8 aircraft at a joint China-Laos airfield, as Ban Keun's training and logistics infrastructure has the potential to expand Beijing's strategic influence in Southeast Asia. The eight K-8 aircraft at a China-Laos airfield raise questions about Beijing's military reach and strategic implications for Vietnam, Thailand and Southeast Asia.
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