China expands secretive desert base

Beijing is rapidly reshaping a remote desert airfield in western China,
 with satellite imagery showing new construction that could support
testing of advanced military aircraft such as the J-36 stealth jet

CHENGDU J-36

Electro-optical
targeting system

Intakes: Dorsal and twin side
inlets feed three-engine configuration

Design: Diamond-shaped
tailless airframe maximises
stealth by reducing radar
cross-section

Cockpit: Two crew
in side-by-side seating

Length: 23m
Wingspan: 24m

Flight control:
Engine thrust and
multiple flaps steer
aircraft in lieu of
tail-control surfaces

Engine
exhausts

CHINA
Beijing
Lop Nur airbase

Areas of new construction
seen in Aug 2026

Aug 2025:
China begins latest
expansion of Lop Nur
airbase. J-36 jet first
seen at site

By Feb 2026:
Base effectively
doubles in area

LOP NUR
AIRBASE

TAKLAMAKAN
DESERT

Main runway 5km (16,400ft)

Northern taxiway

Southern taxiway

Three
hangars
for large
flying wing
aircraft

Concrete
batching
plants and
truck yard

Pad for
engine test
or aircraft
turnaround

Likely large
hangar

Prefabricated
containers for
storage and
accommodation

Likely fuel
storage area

500m
1,640ft

Sources: Interesting Engineering, SCMP, TWZ
Picture: Bing Maps
� GRAPHIC NEWS