China completes their first-ever airstrips in the disputed South China Sea and may soon carry out military air patrols over the West Philippine Sea following the completion of its airstrip at Fiery Cross Reef. The news was revealed to the media by IHS Jane’s Defense.
According to IHS Jane’s Defense, surveillance photos taken by Airbus Defense and Space Satellite last September 20, 2015 show that the construction of the 3,125 meter long runway is complete.
Based upon the photo released online, it showed the presence of helipads and the workers had painted the bearings 050° at one end the runway and 230° at the other end.
Once completed the Fiery Cross Reef will be China’s largest base and its first operational combat airstrip in the disputed zone. China is also building two other airstrips at Subi Reef and Mischief Reef. All three reefs are within the area claimed by the Philippines. Photograph below is another handout from the US Navy, released through Reuters news service.