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

Last month, the People’s Liberation Army released footage showing its H-6N bomber flying with a nuclear-capable Jing Lei-1 (JL-1) air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), offering a rare look at China’s airborne nuclear strike capability.

The H-6N is one of the latest modernised variants of the H-6, the country’s only strategic bomber.

Its flight carrying the ALBM during a joint anti-ship exercise was featured in a documentary by state broadcaster CCTV for the PLA’s 99th anniversary. The unveiling...