The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) recently
received 15 Xian H-6K bombers with nuclear capabilities, according to
Jane’s Defence Weekly.
The H-6K, an updated version of the H-6
bomber (originally, a locally built version of the 1960s vintage Russian
Tupolev Tu-16 bomber), is a medium-sized craft designed for long-range
attacks, stand-off attacks and large-area air patrol. Unlike its
predecessor, the H-6K can carry cruise missiles under its wings. The
H6-K also
maneuvers more deftly than the H-6 and requires a
smaller crew to operate. H-6K reportedly has a combat radius of 3,500
km. It can carry weapons in the internal weapon bay and on four
underwing pylons. The nuclear-capable Changjian-10 (long sword) CJ-10A
cruise missiles it carries have a range of 1,500-2,000 km, effectively
extending the bomber’s combat range to 4,000-5,000 km – long enough to
reach Okinawa, Guam and even Hawaii from China’s mainland.
Analysts stipulated that PLAAF missiles be able to reach Taiwan, southwestern Japan and Guam, a range of control that requires a 3,000 km combat
radius and powerful attack capability. Only the combined combat radius of the H6-K and Changjian-10 strike range currently satisfy the length requirement for those missions.
The H-6K, an updated version of the H-6
bomber (originally, a locally built version of the 1960s vintage Russian
Tupolev Tu-16 bomber), is a medium-sized craft designed for long-range
attacks, stand-off attacks and large-area air patrol. Unlike its
predecessor, the H-6K can carry cruise missiles under its wings. The
H6-K also
maneuvers more deftly than the H-6 and requires a
smaller crew to operate. H-6K reportedly has a combat radius of 3,500
km. It can carry weapons in the internal weapon bay and on four
underwing pylons. The nuclear-capable Changjian-10 (long sword) CJ-10A
cruise missiles it carries have a range of 1,500-2,000 km, effectively
extending the bomber’s combat range to 4,000-5,000 km – long enough to
reach Okinawa, Guam and even Hawaii from China’s mainland.Analysts stipulated that PLAAF missiles be able to reach Taiwan, southwestern Japan and Guam, a range of control that requires a 3,000 km combat
radius and powerful attack capability. Only the combined combat radius of the H6-K and Changjian-10 strike range currently satisfy the length requirement for those missions.
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