title: Sanya Air Base
text: # Sanya Air Base
  
  18°17′16″N 109°27′49″E﻿ / ﻿18.28767°N 109.46365°E﻿ / 18.28767; 109.46365
  
  Sanya Airbase is a military air base located on Hainan Island, China. The airbase is a highly strategic location, being part of the Southern Theater Command, and within easy flying distance of the disputed islands in the South China Sea. Hainan Island is also host to a second military air base: Lingshui Air Base.
  
  ## History
  
  Analysis of Google Earth imagery since 2018 shows Lingshui Airbase is undergoing extensive redevelopment of its aircraft parking areas.
  
  ## Operations
  
  Sanya is one of the Chinese bases which supports the Guizhou Soar Dragon and recent imagery has confirmed the UAVs presence. The base is also home to Harbin Z-9 helicopters.
  
  