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The coexistence of Russian long-range bombers only made the range and payload of the Chinese H-6K clearly visible.
China’s Defense Ministry said four H-6Ks participated in joint patrol with two Russian Tu-95 bombers in the western Pacific region on Dec. 22 as part of an annual military cooperation program. from two countries.
The patrol aims to show solidarity between the two countries as Russia and China face sanctions and pressure from the United States. However, military observers believe that the simultaneous appearance of these two bombers only shows how inferior the Chinese H-6K aircraft are to Russian weapons.
The flight path of the Russian and Chinese bombers during the patrol announced by the Defense Ministry showed that the H-6Ks were not flying continuously with the Tu-95 throughout the trip, but had to divide the distance. This move appears to represent the weak point of the H-6K range.
The flight path of the Russian and Chinese bombers on December 22. Graphics: Ministry of Defense of Japan.
Chinese H-6 bombers have a range of only about 6,000 km and a maximum takeoff weight of 96 tons. Meanwhile, the Russian Tu-95 bomber has a range of 15,000 km with a maximum takeoff weight of 188 tons.
China has 160-180 H-6s, but only the H-6N variant can be refueled in the air to increase range. Meanwhile, almost the entire Russian Tu-95 series has an aerial refueling hose and can significantly increase its range.
Experts say the range and payload limit of the H-6K greatly affect the bombing capabilities and strategic ambitions of this country’s air force.
Jon Grevatt, an expert on military aircraft at Janes, an intelligence analyst firm, said the H-6 bomber’s limited range and payload “reduces flexibility when China shows strength.” “The Chinese H-6 bombing is based on an old Russian model T-16, launched in the 1950s,” Grevatt said.
“Although China has been updated, the basic H-6 still uses a very old design,” Grevatt said. “Chinese bombers cannot fly long without supplies and they cannot carry heavy weapons like Russian and American bombers.”
Chinese and Russian bombers join the joint patrol on December 22. Video: PLA, BQP Nga.
To overcome this weakness, China is developing an H-20 stealth bomber to increase intercontinental bombing capability and expand the range of operations to more distant seas. The H-20 has a 45-ton payload, a range of 8,500 km, and can carry four cruise missiles.
A photo taken by the Japan Air Defense Forces shows that the H-6K variant deployed by China during a joint patrol with Russia has eight weapon towers on the wings, instead of six like the H-6 models. old life.
A Chinese H-6 bomber during 12/22 patrol. Image: JASDF.
Tong Trung in Beijing said that two towers near the top of the wings can carry light weapons, such as electronic jammers in the air, the other six hanging bombs or heavier missiles.
Equipped with electronic jammers can help the H-6K fool enemy radar waves, hydropower, or other target detection systems. However, the lack of stealth makes it difficult for Chinese bombers to penetrate foreign defenses. “H-6 bombers cannot be considered true long-range strategic bombers,” he said.
The joint patrol, although the H-6K bomber revealed many weaknesses, it could also help the country strengthen tactics and cooperation between the air forces. “The patrol also aims to send a strategic message to the United States that China and Russia are ready and able to cooperate,” Grevatt said.
Nguyen tien (According to the SCMP)
