“The fact that our H-6K bombers have performed several long-distance drills far into the Pacific Ocean indicates that the H-6K fleet has become capable of conducting various operations such as long-range precision strikes,” Fu Qianshao, a PLAAF aviation equipment expert, told the newspaper China Daily.
The maximum range of the H-6K bomber is 1,900 miles without refueling; however, it can be extended to 3,100 miles with two mid-air refuels.
The bomber can carry a payload of up to 12 tons. There are currently around 36 H-6K strategic bombers in service with the PLAAF.
“In the past, our bombers could only deliver airdropped bombs and so were unable to conduct precision attacks, but the H-6K, with the adoption of some of our most advanced aeronautic technologies, is able to carry and launch air-to-surface cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, which means it can take out multiple targets on the ground or at sea within one mission,” The Diplomat cited Fu as saying.
Furthermore, during recent military exercises the H-6K overcame “enemy defenses” and “the enemy’s electromagnetic blockage.”
According to some military analysts, the only weakness of the bomber is its targeting system as well as the PLAAF’s overall targeting procurement network.
