China is expanding its military capability along India’s borders. Recently, China installed an advanced radar system in southwestern Yuan province near the border with Myanmar. This creates security problems for India. India’s missile program has a significant impact on national security. The newly installed Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) is said to have a surveillance range of over 5,000 km. Through this China can control the Indian Ocean and Indian territories as well. This advanced radar system can keep an eye on China’s intelligence gathering capabilities, especially on India’s ballistic missile program.
Designed for early warning, surveillance, the LPAR system has the capability to detect and track ballistic missile launches in real time. This includes Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the east coast, where India conducts key missile tests. India is testing advanced missiles like Agni-5 and K-4 from this island. China is likely to capture critical data on missile speed, path, and distances. China is likely to develop missiles and air defense systems to counter India’s missiles.
China has always been trying to reduce India’s influence in the Indian Ocean. It is in this context that friendship is running with Sri Lanka and Maldives in this region. Currently located close to India’s borders, this massive radar monitors the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Commercial shipping lanes in the region are likely to be monitored by the presence of the Indian Navy. China already has LPAR radars in Beijing and Xinjiang. These provide surveillance coverage of India. The new radar being installed in Yunnan will expand India’s surveillance over the southern and eastern regions.