Sanya Air Base Explained

Sanya Airbase is a military air base located on Hainan Island, China.^[1] The airbase is a highly strategic location, being part of the Southern Theater Command, and within easy flying distance of the disputed islands in the South China Sea. Hainan Island is also host to a second military air base: Lingshui Air Base.

History

Analysis of Google Earth imagery since 2018 shows Lingshui Airbase is undergoing extensive redevelopment of its aircraft parking areas.

Operations

Sanya is one of the Chinese bases which supports the Guizhou Soar Dragon and recent imagery has confirmed the UAVs presence.^[2] The base is also home to Harbin Z-9 helicopters.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sanya Airbase - Sanya . wikimapia.org . 21 February 2021 . en.
2. Web site: Yeo . Mike . China boosting naval footprint at its southern tip, new satellite images suggest . Defense News . 21 February 2021 . 21 January 2021.
3. Web site: Chinese Navy Expanding Bases Near South China Sea . USNI News . 21 February 2021 . 29 December 2020.