India, July 30 -- China has deployed at least 12 J-20 stealth fighter jets at two airbases facing India, according to commercial satellite imagery, highlighting the growing presence of Beijing's advanced combat aircraft close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The satellite images, captured by commercial satellite company Vantor and shared with India Today, show J-20 aircraft stationed at Hotan airbase in Xinjiang and Damxung airbase in Tibet.

The deployment represents one of the largest concentrations of China's fifth-generation stealth fighters observed at airbases opposite India in recent years.

Eight J-20 "Mighty Dragon" fighters were visible on the tarmac at Hotan airbase in imagery dated July 9.

Hotan is a dual-use civil-milit...