It’s no secret that China is working hard on strategy Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD), which the weaker opponent usually tries to use. It is about creating areas that are practically impenetrable. The enemy cannot enter such an area without significant losses (Anti-Access) nor move freely in it (Area Denial).
In the case of China, the A2/AD strategy is based primarily on various anti-ship missiles, and then on submarines and aircraft. It is directed in particular against American and Japanese forces, which in this part of the world act as key allies of Taiwan, which is increasingly threatened by a possible Chinese invasion.
Recent footage that has appeared on social networks is a clear part of this ever-evolving Chinese strategy. They show the first known test launch of a ballistic missile from a standard Chinese Xi’an H-6 bomber. Most commentators are leaning towards the fact that it was an anti-ship ballistic missile, but it is not entirely clear from the available images.
Chinese Xi’an H-6 bomber
Apparently, this is another deliberate leak of information about the activities of the Chinese People’s Army. The footage shows that a bomber in one of the modern versions of the H-6K played a key role in the test. In this case, modernization is completely appropriate. The H-6 bomber is the Chinese variant of the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16 Badger bomber, which first flew in 1952, an incredible 72 years ago.
The video shows a ballistic missile being released from a pylon under the bomber’s right wing. Apparently, it is the same missile that was presented to the public in 2022 at the international exhibition Airshow China in Zhuhai, China.
The missile in question is marked “2PZD-21,” the only known official designation for this weapon system. Information has emerged that these are missiles known as YJ-21 or KD-21. These are anti-ship and anti-surface missiles, i.e. relatively different weapons. As you can see, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Chinese bomber test.
He downloaded the images from the Chinese Weibo network https://twitter.com/RupprechtDeino/status/1588085780479721474
As far as is known, missiles of this type represent an effective anti-ship weapon, which is nicknamed the “carrier killer.” But the H-6K bomber is primarily intended for attacks on land. He is in the service of the Air Force, not the Navy. Therefore, it is possible that the missile designated as 2PZD-21 is actually intended for land strikes.
Source: Drive / Warzone
Tags: Carrier killer China launched ballistic missile Xian bomber time VTM .cz
