China allegedly deploys J-20 fighter jets near Indian border

ISTANBUL

China allegedly deployed J-20 stealth fighter jets to a location less than 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the state of Sikkim in northeastern India, according to a report by Indian broadcaster NDTV on Thursday.

The report, citing satellite imagery, claimed that six of the aircraft were stationed at a dual-use military and civilian airport in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.

The satellite images, dated May 27, show six J-20 fighter jets, eight J-10 fighter jets, and a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft parked at the airport.

The report noted that J-20 aircraft had been observed in the region before, observed in the Hotan prefecture of China's northwestern Xinjiang between 2020 and 2023.

However, the most recent sighting is believed to be the largest deployment of J-20 spotted by commercially available satellite imagery, the report added.