World War 3: China to launch new STEALTH BOMBERS able to fire MISSILES at US targets
CHINA has announced its latest major military development, disclosing that its new-generation stealth bomber Hong-20 will finally take to the skies, as tensions between Beijing and the US reach a dangerous new level.
According to Asia Times, Beijing wants the strategic H-20 to be able to fly close to the US west coast and fire conventional or nuclear cruise missiles against US targets.
On Wednesday, Chinese state television disclosed the name of the military aircraft and announced the imminent trial flight without, however, specifying the date.
The design of the H-20 mirrors the US Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times: “The new generation of bombers can carry more bombs than the H-6K bombers, has the advantage of stealth features, and is able to strike targets from standoff ranges.”
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China did not previously have an operational, strategic bomber able to strike targets from a long distance.
The H-20's specifications include a range of 8,000 kilometres without having to stop for refuelling and a compartment which can carry more than 10 tons of munitions, including thermonuclear weapons.
However, experts claim the US west coast may be too far to reach for the bomber, and it would require at least one refuelling above the Pacific.
Nevertheless, the H-20 would still be able to bomb US overseas territories such as Sapian, Guam and the Hawaii.
The US military has already started preparing for a similar scenario and it recently conducted a B-2 bombers training in the Wake Island, in the vicinity of Hawaii, for the first time.
The US Pacific Fleet has also proposed multiple exercises for November that would have US warships and aircraft demonstrating their military capabilities in the South China Sea.
It comes following a series of confrontations and escalations in the disputed territory between the US and China.
Last week, the US sent two bombers tearing through the South China Sea twice and were immediately followed by a joint military exercise with Japan over the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.
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China quickly deemed the flights as being “provocative” and warned the US they will take “necessary measures” to defend Chinese interests.
Days later, the Chinese military conducted “live-fire showing drills” in the South China Sea.
These incidents came along with other deteriorations in the Sino-American relationship, specifically over issues pertaining to sanctions, Taiwan and the continued trade war.
