Are Chinese military aircraft already using a new joint air facility in Laos?

AI Summary

Satellite imagery reportedly shows eight K-8/JL-8-family trainer and light-attack aircraft at Ban Keun Airport in Laos, more than the estimated inventory of the Laotian air force. The imagery also shows military and support vehicles, prompting questions about whether Chinese military aircraft are using a joint aviation facility.

Chinese military aircraft may already be using a new joint aviation facility in Laos, with satellite imagery showing twice as many K-8/JL-8-family trainer aircraft there as the Laotian air force is assessed to possess. Eight of the two-seat trainer and light-attack aircraft were visible at Ban Keun Airport in commercial satellite imagery taken on September 30, according to Reuters, which first reported the images. More than two dozen military and support vehicles were also visible. The image was...