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China’s new air power push near Arunachal: 36 aircraft shelters built at Lhunze base

Satellite images confirm 36 new aircraft shelters at China’s Lhunze airbase near Arunachal Pradesh, raising security concerns for India amid growing regional tensions.

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China has completed the construction of 36 hardened aircraft shelters and multiple new facilities at its Lhunze airbase in Tibet, located around 107 kilometres from Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang. The rapid military buildup, seen through fresh satellite imagery, marks a significant step in Beijing’s growing military posture along the India-China border.

Strategic concerns over China’s Lhunze expansion

The fortified shelters, along with new administrative blocks and an extended apron, are positioned just 40 kilometres north of the McMahon Line. Experts say these developments give China the ability to forward-deploy fighter jets and drones within striking distance of Indian air bases in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (Retd) noted that the construction signals serious military intent. “The day they start building hardened aircraft shelters in Tibet would mean that they are preparing for war with us,” he said, adding that such infrastructure removes a long-standing Chinese vulnerability in the region.

Former IAF vice chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd) termed the buildup a “serious strategic threat,” highlighting that the new infrastructure enables rapid aircraft deployment and improved operational readiness at high altitudes. He also pointed out that the shelters provide protection against precision-guided munitions, making the base more resilient to Indian airstrikes.

New images reveal drone presence

Recent satellite images from October 17 show what appear to be three CH-4 drones stationed on the Lhunze tarmac. These long-endurance drones can operate at over 16,000 feet and carry short-range air-to-surface missiles, enhancing China’s surveillance and strike capability in mountainous terrain.

India, meanwhile, is set to induct U.S.-made Sky Guardian drones starting 2029 for both the IAF and the Indian Army, aiming to counter the growing Chinese UAV presence. The Navy already operates the Sea Guardian variant, part of a $3.5 billion deal.

Shrinking geographical advantage for India

Former IAF vice chief Air Marshal SP Dharkar (Retd) observed that China’s expansion of hardened airfields across Tibet—including Tingri, Burang, Yutian, and Yarkant—has gradually eroded India’s traditional terrain advantage. “The buildup of hardened shelters makes air operations in the zone even more challenging,” he said.

Geo-intelligence analyst Damien Symon added that the Lhunze development represents Beijing’s effort to “expand air power in a historically sensitive region,” reducing India’s operational lead near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Despite recent diplomatic outreach—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in August—both nations continue to upgrade their border air infrastructure, underscoring persistent military competition post-Galwan 2020.

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Trump rejects Iran peace proposal, warns Tehran over uranium dispute

Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest response to a US peace proposal, escalating tensions over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Donald Trump statement

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest response to a US-backed peace proposal, calling Tehran’s position “totally unacceptable” as negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict remain stalled.

According to reports, Iran responded to the American proposal by demanding war reparations, the removal of sanctions, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Tehran also warned it would retaliate against any fresh US military strikes and oppose the deployment of additional foreign warships in the region.

The dispute has intensified over Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly uranium enrichment. The US proposal reportedly sought strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities, including a long-term halt to uranium enrichment and tighter international oversight. However, Iran’s counter-response did not accept key American demands related to dismantling or restricting its nuclear infrastructure.

Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes, while the US and its allies continue to push for stronger safeguards amid concerns over regional security.

The latest exchange comes amid continuing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route for global oil supplies. Concerns over disruptions in the region have already pushed oil prices higher in international markets.

Reports also suggest that the US proposal aimed to expand the current ceasefire framework and create conditions for broader negotiations involving regional conflicts and maritime security. However, both sides remain far apart on major issues, including sanctions relief and nuclear restrictions.

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Trump approves nearly $9 billion weapons sales to Israel, UAE and other allies amid Iran tensions

The US has fast-tracked nearly $9 billion in weapons sales to Israel, UAE and other allies as tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue despite a fragile ceasefire.

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Donald Trump statement

The United States has approved nearly $9 billion worth of weapons sales to key Middle Eastern allies, including Israel and the United Arab Emirates, amid ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The decision, cleared by the administration of Donald Trump, includes expedited military transfers to Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. The approvals were granted under an emergency provision, allowing authorities to bypass the usual congressional review process.

Emergency clearance amid ongoing conflict

Officials said the move was necessary due to the evolving security situation in the region, particularly as the conflict involving Iran continues despite a fragile ceasefire. The war, which began earlier in 2026, has heightened instability across West Asia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked emergency powers to fast-track the deals, citing urgent defence requirements for allied nations.

What the arms package includes

The approved package includes a mix of advanced defence systems and precision weapons:

  • Patriot missile defence replenishments worth over $4 billion for Qatar
  • Precision-guided weapon systems for multiple countries
  • Integrated battle command systems for Kuwait
  • Additional advanced weapons support for Israel and the UAE

The total value of these deals is estimated at over $8.6 billion, often rounded to nearly $9 billion.

Timing linked to iran war

The approval comes nearly nine weeks into the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, with tensions still high despite a ceasefire that has been in place for several weeks.

Analysts note that the move signals continued US military backing for its regional allies, particularly in strengthening air defence and precision strike capabilities during uncertain conditions.

Criticism and concerns

The decision to bypass congressional oversight has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly over transparency and the broader implications of increasing arms supplies in a conflict-prone region.

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Trump and Putin hold over 90-minute call, discuss Iran war and Ukraine conflict

Trump and Putin held a 90-minute call focusing on Iran tensions and the Ukraine conflict, with warnings over escalation and talks of ceasefire.

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Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation lasting more than 90 minutes, focusing on escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to official statements, the discussion was described as “frank and businesslike,” with both leaders addressing key global security concerns. A major part of the conversation centred on the situation involving Iran and developments in the Persian Gulf.

Putin supported Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire related to Iran, suggesting that continued restraint could create space for negotiations and help stabilise the region. However, he also issued a strong warning, stating that renewed military action by the United States or Israel could lead to “extremely damaging consequences” not only for Iran but for the wider international community.

Ukraine conflict also discussed

The leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has continued for several years since Russia’s invasion in 2022. During the call, there were indications of potential efforts toward a temporary ceasefire, although no final agreement has been confirmed.

Reports suggest that the idea of a short-term pause in hostilities was explored, possibly linked to upcoming symbolic dates, but significant differences between the parties remain unresolved.

Focus on diplomacy amid global tensions

The call highlights ongoing diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions involving both the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

While both sides acknowledged the importance of dialogue, the situation on the ground in both conflict zones remains complex, with no immediate resolution in sight.

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