The US strike on Iran showed that China needs a new bomber — experts

After the American B-2 stealth bombers successfully attacked Iran, the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) should soon complete the development of its own strategic bomber H-20. Such an opinion in Chinese experts expressed their opinion to the media, TASS reports.

A specialized strategic bomber is indispensable even in an era when there are other options for long-range strikes. A strategic bomber can carry out attacks with both nuclear and conventional [ammunition]. This is a vital weapon for any major military power," Song Zhongping, a military observer and former PLA instructor, told the publication.

Although China has made significant progress in developing sixth-generation fighters and long-range missiles, it still lacks modern bombers in its arsenal. Currently, the long-range bomber H-6, which is an upgraded version of the Soviet Tu-16, is in service with the People's Liberation Army of China. Experts believe that the operation of the US Air Force against Iran has emphasized the need for such combat aircraft.

"The essence of strategic weapons is the ability to operate on all continents." <"[Bombers] B-2, B-1B and B-52 perform this role for the United States. Currently, China still does not have such a long-range strategic strike capability," Song Zhongping said.

Experts believe that in the future, China may begin to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a long range. At the same time, bombers can be both manned and unmanned, or combine both of these options.

Fu Qianshao, military columnist from China, noted that recently satellite images of the Chinese airbase in Xinjiang appeared in the world media. These pictures show a huge unmanned aerial vehicle, which, apparently, is invisible to radar. Its wingspan is about 52 meters.

"All unmanned attack platforms can be considered as bombers if their range and payload meet the requirements of bombers," Fu Qianshao said.

He added that such UAVs, combined with China's growing arsenal of ballistic and hypersonic weapons, "can revolutionize military campaigns."

On the night of June 22, Donald Trump announced a successful strike on three nuclear facilities in Iran. The attack was carried out in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.

According to The New York Times, the US Air Force used a cunning tactic by sending two groups of B-2 stealth bombers from an airbase in Missouri in different directions. This allowed to divert attention from the true purpose of the attack.