China H-6N Bombers: In a move that has raised concerns for the United States, Japan, and South Korea, China unveiled its new H-6N nuclear bomber during a joint patrol with Russia over the Sea of Japan on Friday. According to China’s Global Times, Chinese H-6N bombers teamed up with Russian Tu-95MS bombers for the exercise.
South Korea’s military reported that 11 Chinese and Russian warplanes flew near its maritime borders. In response, South Korea scrambled fighter jets. Although the bombers remained close to South Korea’s borders for around four hours, they did not enter its airspace. This joint activity highlights growing military cooperation between China and Russia in the region.
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Russian Tu-95MS and Chinese H-6K strategic bombers carried out an eight-hour joint patrol, escorted by fighter jets from both nations. The Russian bombers departed from and returned to an airfield in China as part of the mission.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the flights stayed within international airspace and did not violate any country’s territorial boundaries. The ministry also emphasized that the operation was not targeted at any specific nation.
“As per the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, the two sides conducted their ninth joint strategic air patrol in airspace over the Sea of Japan on Friday”, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement.
According to the South Korean army, Russian planes approached from the northeast while Chinese aircraft came from the south, heading northward.
In response to the incident, South Korea filed formal protests with both China and Russia, describing the joint air exercise as an act of intimidation. However, the Chinese Defence Ministry dismissed these accusations, stating that the patrol was a routine joint exercise between China and Russia and was not aimed at any third country.
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China’s new H-6N nuclear bomber overview
China’s new H-6N nuclear bomber is a big step forward in military technology. It was first shown in a military parade on October 1, 2019, for China’s 70th anniversary. The H-6N can refuel in the air, allowing it to fly longer distances and carry out long-range attacks.
Compared to the older H-6K, the H-6N has a longer range and the ability to refuel mid-flight, which makes it more powerful. Experts believe it has better weapons and technology, making it the most advanced bomber in China’s Air Force.
While Russia’s Tu-95 bomber can fly farther than the H-6K, the H-6N’s ability to refuel in the air gives it the same range, making it a strong addition to China’s military.
