The US strike on Iran demonstrated the critical need for China to have modern strategic bombers capable of carrying out long-range strikes on different continents. Despite the success in developing sixth-generation fighter jets and long-range missiles, the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) does not yet have a modern strategic bomber. Currently, the obsolete H-6, which is an upgraded version of the Soviet Tu-16, is in service.
Experts and military analysts in China are calling for speeding up the completion of the development of a new strategic bomber, the H-20, which will be able to carry out both nuclear and conventional strikes at long distances, providing China with the ability to strategically deter and project force. The shape of the flying wing and the assumed low visibility will allow the H-20 to compete with the American B-2 and B-21.
Military commentator Song Zhongping stressed that strategic bombers remain an indispensable element of the armed forces even in the era of the development of other long-range weapons, as they provide unique flexibility and the ability to operate on all continents. The US B-2 strike on Iran was a signal to China that the possession of such capabilities is vital for the status of a major military power and regional security.
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