Analysis of satellite imagery around the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh reveals that while the disengagement and de-escalation by the opposing military ground forces of China and India remains a possibility in future, de-induction of such forces will remain impossible, thanks to the PLA Ground Forces’ (PLAGF) unabated construction of permanent habitats and related ammunition storage facilities in areas close to southern, central/eastern and northern Ladakh.
To the south, the PLAGF has erected permanent habitats and related ammunition storage facilities at Zhaxigangxiang (32.526563 N, 79.633600 E).
In the central/eastern areas, permanent habitats and related ammunition storage facilities now exist at Rutog (33.396564 N, 79.786035), with a new heliport now coming up at 33.654 N, 80.449 E. In addition, a PLAGF synthetic combined-arms brigade is now located at Khurnak (33 45 25 N, 78 59 50 E).
To the north, in an area spread over 250 hectares and located 65km to the east of Burtse/Daulat Beg Oldie (35.275994 N, 78.760580 E), permanent habitats and related ammunition storage facilities are being at a hectic pace, along with a PLAGF heliport at Tianwendian (35.246275 N, 79.542584 E).
