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China builds new Lop Nur hangars for PLA aircraft testing

9/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China expands its flight-test facility near Lop Nur in the Xinjiang desert.
Satellite images show four new large hangars, additional taxiway work, and a circular pad.
The circular pad likely supports engine runs or aircraft turnarounds.
Analyst Andreas Rupprecht says the site will become the PLA’s new high-end aircraft test centre.
An unnamed Chinese-military aviation expert warns conclusions should wait until the expansion finishes.

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Story summary

China expands its flight-test facility near Lop Nur in the Xinjiang desert.
Satellite images show four new large hangars, additional taxiway work, and a circular pad.
The circular pad likely supports engine runs or aircraft turnarounds.
Analyst Andreas Rupprecht says the site will become the PLA’s new high-end aircraft test centre.
An unnamed Chinese-military aviation expert warns conclusions should wait until the expansion finishes.