A new Chinese heliport is being constructed just 20 kilometers east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near the sensitive Fishtails region of Arunachal Pradesh. This facility could enable the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to rapidly deploy military resources into a remote and under-developed area along the Indo-Chinese frontier. Situated along the Gongrigabu Qu river in the Nyingchi Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, the heliport's construction has raised significant strategic concerns.

Open-source satellite imagery indicates that construction began at the end of 2023 and is now in an advanced stage. Experts suggest that this heliport will facilitate increased intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations by the PLA, improving logistical capabilities in the rugged terrain of the region. The heliport features a 600-meter runway designed for rolling take-offs, multiple hangars, and air traffic control facilities.

The Fishtails area, characterized by sensitive border dynamics between India and China, is likely to feel the impact of this new infrastructure. Military analysts, including retired Lt. General Pravin Bakshi, emphasize the potential threat posed by the heliport to key strategic areas. The dual-use nature of the facility—supporting both military and civilian movements—could enhance China's defensive and offensive operations along the border.

As China continues to build its military presence through various infrastructure projects, including the development of dual-use villages, India is responding with initiatives like the 'Vibrant Villages' project, aimed at bolstering connectivity and security in its northeastern border states.