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A simulation of the H-20 stealth plane – Photo: Weibo / SCMP
The H-20 is still in development, but the Pentagon believes that once completed, the stealth bomber could target targets in US overseas territories like Guam. Meanwhile, other analysts believe that the H-20’s range could reach Hawaii, according to the newspaper. South China morning post November 26.
The Defense and Security Research Report of RUSI, Britain’s leading and oldest defense and security advisory institute in the world, provides an overview of how China and Russia are developing their air forces. of them, including next-generation aircraft and new weapons.
“Armed with nuclear and conventional missiles, the H-20 represents a breakthrough in theory and practice from the earlier development of military equipment by the PLAAF (Air Force (AF)). People’s Liberation (PLA)” – reported RUSI.
The report also states that the PLA air force is now structured as a regional force, capable of penetrating the first island chain, a series of islands in the Pacific, stretching from the disputed Kuril / Chishima islands. , through Japan and the Philippines.
“On the contrary, the H-20 will give China the ability to display true intercontinental strength,” the RUSI report said.
The PLA announced the H-20 stealth bomber project in 2016 and it could be ready for service in five years. Chinese media claim that the H-20 has a payload of 45 tons, including many nuclear weapons and four stealth or hypersonic cruise missiles.
Project H-20 is part of the PLA Air Force’s plan to expand bomber operations, part of a broader program to upgrade China’s armed forces.
In August, the US Department of Defense released a report that estimated the H-20’s flight distance to be around 8,500 km, meaning it could reach US overseas territories such as Guam. . However, many other military experts estimate that the flight distance could be more than 12,000 km, and Hawaii would be within range of the H-20.
Song Zhongping, who worked with the PLA, said the H-20 was designed to reach US soil as part of China’s nuclear trio, which also includes land- and sea-launched missiles.
“However, the winged design means that it is difficult to fight, so stealth is more important,” Song said.
In addition to the long-range H-20, the RUSI report also claims that China is developing low-visibility medium-range bombers, which will help improve the PLA’s strike capabilities in contested spaces. , especially the ability to attack major US bases in Guam and Okinawa (Japan).
