China's H-6 Bomber Conducts Exercises: A Strategic Overview

China's military has recently shared striking images of the strategic H-6 bomber, which was seen conducting exercises within the country's Eastern Theater Command. On March 1, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced via the social media platform Weibo that the commander had issued flight orders, resulting in various types of fighter jets rapidly deploying to engage in ground bombing missions. This operation reflects a broader effort by China's military to enhance its readiness and capabilities across various airspaces.

In the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia, the modern iterations of the H-6 family, including the H-6K, H-6J, and the newly highlighted H-6N, play critical roles in China's strategic military posture. The H-6K and H-6N bombers are equipped to carry an array of munitions, while the H-6J is primarily a surveillance aircraft. Rick Joe, an expert on the Chinese military, elaborated in The Diplomat on how these aircraft significantly bolster China's aerial warfare capabilities.

As these bombers engage in operations that surround Taiwan, approach airspace near Japan, and patrol contentious regions of the South China Sea, their activities are perceived as direct demonstrations of Beijing's political resolve. The H-6 series has become emblematic of China's military strength, frequently showcased during military parades, highlighting both their operational significance and symbolic importance.

The H-6K bomber was notably seen in Xinjiang in 2021, near the border with India, during a broadcast by China Central Television. A military source commented on how easy it is for the PLA to deploy H-6K bombers to the China-India border, given their stationing under the Western Theater Command. This capability allows the PLA to project power in areas of strategic interest.

Further, recent advancements have led to a significant increase in the number of H-6K bombers, which are modernized versions of the original H-6. These aircraft integrate standoff weapons and are equipped with more efficient turbofan engines for extended range. The H-6K can carry up to six land-attack cruise missiles, providing the PLA with a long-range precision strike capability that extends to the Second Island Chain from airfields in mainland China.

Globally, the operational fleet of strategic bombers is limited to just three nations: the United States, Russia, and China. These strategic bombers are capable of delivering nuclear warheads, forming a crucial component of their respective nuclear triad. Rick Joe emphasized that the H-6K family offers the PLA a flexible, cost-effective, and reliable regional strike capability, which is actively being procured in substantial numbers.