For China, H-6N bomber enhances nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability

Country’s nuclear triad complete as airborne leg supplements intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles

The unveiling comes as China expands the scope of its H-6 bombers’ activities beyond its nearby airspace.

In July 2024, two H-6s were spotted conducting joint patrol near Alaska for the first time with their Russian counterpart, the Tu-95, prompting the US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defence Command to scramble their fighter jets.

For the past six decades, the H-6 has served as Beijing’s primary strategic strike aircraft. With the JL-1 ALBM able to be mounted on the H-6N bomber, China is now considered to have completed its nuclear triad, boosting its nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability.