Chinese H-6K Bomber Achieves Significant Milestone in Bashi Strait Amidst Encounter with Foreign Aircraft (2024)

The H-6K flew over a thousand kilometers beyond the island chain, undeterred by foreign aircraft flashing their weapons to intercept.

According to reports from multiple sources including Guangming Net, recently the Chinese H-6K made a significant move in the Bashi Strait, flying over a thousand kilometers beyond the island chain with live ammunition. During China’s routine training and exercises, encounters with foreign aircraft intercepting were described in detail by the pilots.

Foreign aircraft deliberately exposed their underbellies, flying alongside with combat and medium-range missiles visible underneath. This action signifies escalating military threats, yet China responded calmly. The first response from the Chinese side was to maintain altitude, followed by maintaining course towards the exercise area, where the mission was completed.

For each route and corridor beyond the island chain, interception by foreign aircraft may increase further. This time, the foreign party’s statement was vague about their identity, likely representing some unfriendly countries or regions resorting to various forms of deterrence and interception.

Military training activities by China, especially involving bombers carrying long-range weaponry near its borders, are particularly sensitive. These bombers serve as strategic indicators and actions along predetermined directions. Strategic bombers should not be underestimated. As President Putin stated, the movement of strategic bombers is more effective than saying ten thousand words.

Currently, China’s strategic bombing capabilities from distant locations should not be underestimated. If we consider a range of a thousand kilometers, China could practically achieve full coverage in the South China Sea, conducting comprehensive and deep strikes without blind spots. With the addition of Chinese missile ranges, approximately fifteen hundred kilometers, within a range of twenty-five hundred kilometers, the radius and number of targets China can strike would further increase.

By measurement, places like Guam fall within the attack range. If the next step involves the H-6N model equipped with aerial refueling capabilities, combined with the Y-20 tanker, China’s striking capabilities will rapidly escalate.

Regardless, the H-6 series, including the H-6K and H-6N, are transitional models for China’s strategic air force. Next in line is the H-20, a stealthy long-range bomber, which will significantly enhance striking effectiveness. Currently, within the nearby seas, beyond the island chain, China can fully accomplish its combat missions with the H-6K.

China’s strategic striking operates on two levels: firstly, relying on the extensive fleet of H-6K and H-6N bombers to attack and surveil various targets within a thousand-kilometer range beyond the island chain; secondly, utilizing the H-20 for strikes and reconnaissance within strategic airspace. This indicates that China’s stealth capabilities, including its striking capabilities, are exponentially increasing.

Due to the capabilities of platforms, the focus is shifting downwards. For instance, the B-21 developed by the United States, including the B-2 bomber, prioritizes stealth and increased payload, but this is a limit. In the future, the effectiveness of strikes and targets will revolve around the power and mode of attack of missiles and airborne weaponry.

In the future, the significance will likely lie in the type of weaponry used. Having long-range precision and various other modes of destruction are crucial to elevate the operational capabilities of strategic bombers to a new level.

Currently, China’s direction in long-range strategic attacks is clear. China relies on its existing large fleet for strategic deterrence while simultaneously focusing on the development of the new H-20 bomber for future endeavors. This recent operation beyond the island chain demonstrates the effectiveness of China’s existing fleet in fulfilling its tasks and, with the support of other aircraft, conducting various strike operations.

Although the composition of Chinese aircraft formations wasn’t discussed this time, for instance, if Chinese bombers were to undertake a mission, it’s certain that Chinese fighter jets would provide escort support, backed by aerial refueling and logistical support. In the next steps, such advanced operations by China will likely involve a variety of aircraft types in joint breakthrough operations.

This particular training exercise focused on a single aircraft type, with potential escort support from other aircraft. Other actions were not showcased, but in real combat scenarios, it’s possible that Chinese bombers might not even see these foreign aircraft exposing their underbellies and flashing missiles. China’s J-20 and J-35 have long been capable of neutralizing such threats, whether on land or at sea. Although the likelihood of such events occurring in actual combat is low, China must remain prepared accordingly. (Du Wenlong)