H-20 Bomber is One of Xi Jinping's Powerful Strategic Deterrent Systems
US B-21, More Advanced Bomber than China's H-20
[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] Analysis suggests that the unveiling of China's next-generation long-range stealth strategic bomber, the 'H-20,' is imminent.
The H-20 bomber is known as China's next-generation stealth strategic bomber with a range of up to 8,500 km. China is developing the H-20 bomber to counter the United States' next-generation long-range stealth strategic bomber, the 'B-21 (Raider)'.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 12th that the People's Liberation Army will continue to modernize its weapons systems in response to Chinese President Xi Jinping's directive to establish a "powerful strategic deterrence system." SCMP explained that the H-20 bomber is expected to be one of the powerful strategic deterrence systems ordered by President Xi.
SCMP added that among military weapon enthusiasts, the H-20 bomber was the biggest focus at the 14th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Zhuhai Airshow).
Jia Zegang, Deputy Commander of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, regarding the interest in the H-20, said, "The Chinese Air Force will continue to improve its weapons systems according to President Xi Jinping's instructions," and added, "The Air Force will strengthen its air attack and defense combat capabilities."
Zhou Zhaoxia, Director of the Air Force Equipment Department, commented on the development status of the H-20, saying, "As in the past decade, the Chinese Air Force will continue to modernize its weapons systems," and that the Chinese military will keep striving to achieve the world's top combat power.
Chinese military expert Song Zhongping analyzed the Air Force leadership's remarks, stating, "There is a strong implication that the H-20 bomber is planned to be introduced." He added that the H-20 bomber is an indispensable weapon for building a powerful strategic deterrent for the Chinese Air Force.
SCMP quoted an insider saying that preparations for the introduction of the H-20 bomber are complete and that it will be unveiled at an appropriate time.
After the U.S. defense contractor Northrop Grumman announced on the 2nd of next month (local time) that it would unveil the B-21 bomber to replace the B-2 (Spirit), voices within China have grown louder calling for a new weapons system capable of countering the B-21 bomber.
The U.S. Air Force's B-21 bomber is reported to have a radar cross-section (RCS) smaller than a golf ball. Because of this, there are observations that the B-21's stealth capabilities are two generations ahead of the B-2.
The B-21 bomber's range is said to be around 14,000 km. This distance allows a B-21 taking off from the U.S. mainland to strike northeastern China without mid-air refueling. The B-21 is feared as a shapeless invader.
Military expert Anthony Wang Tong told SCMP, "It is clear that the B-21 bomber is a more advanced aircraft than the H-20 bomber, but it is also clear that the technological gap between China and the U.S. is narrowing." He added, "To prevent technological copying, the U.S. may not reveal the entire physical B-21 on the 2nd of next month."
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