The Chinese JH-XX stealth bomber can be explained in two words

Complete secret: The JH-XX, an elusive stealth bomber potentially under development by the Chinese Air Force, could disrupt US military dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. Details from Chinese sources hint at a twin-engine, high-speed, stealthy regional bomber capable of hitting targets within a radius of 2,000 kilometers.

– Despite its secrecy, if the JH-XX exists, it will play a unique role in China’s military strategy, allowing it to counter Western airspace in key regions.

-Although unconfirmed, China’s rapid defense advancement suggests that the JH-XX, like other recent military innovations, may eventually make a surprise debut.

China’s JH-XX: Can This Mystery Bomber Challenge US Air Supremacy?

The Chinese military were to rapid modernization rampant for more than ten years. Each advance brings China one step closer to parity with the US military. And the closer China’s military approaches America’s in technological capabilities, the more American leaders — both civilian and military — almost universally downplay China’s threat.

However, at some point, the Americans will not be able to ignore the problem that China is creating. Worse yet, the Chinese may soon develop a system that completely changes advantage of the US military in the potential struggle for the Indo-Pacific.

JH-XX

Enter the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) JH-XX bomber. An elusive aircraft rumored to be a Chinese stealth bomber is attracting more attention, especially after the Americans unveiled their new B-21 Raider stealth bomber.

The US Defense Intelligence Agency first talked about the possible existence of JH-XX back in 2019. Along with the new stealth bomber was also Tactical “fighter-bomber” H-20 (image below).While the H-20 has attracted much more attention as a long-range, heavy subsonic stealth bomber, the JH-XX remains an enigma, its true capabilities unknown even to intelligence professionals.

Information about the JH-XX comes from a number of different sources. In particular, the Chinese edition known as Aerospace knowledge presented the JH-XX concept on the cover. It featured a sleek, stealthy jet with twin engines, a large bomb bay, and side weapons bays to carry long-range air-to-air missiles.

The design suggests a combination of speed, stealth and versatility, hinting at a potential role as a regional bomber and interceptor.

The JH-XX may occupy a niche in China’s military strategy. It can create a supersonic regional bomber capable of hitting targets within a radius of 2,000 kilometers. The JH-XX would thus allow China to contest airspace nominally controlled by the West, such as in the East and South China Seas, and the Yellow and Japan Seas in northeastern China. The high speed of the JH-XX could equip it for aerial combat with Western forces.

JH-XX: shrouded in mystery

However, there is little evidence for the existence of JH-XX. Moreover, there are no serious attempts to prove the existence of this bird. The PLAAF remained silent on the project. Meanwhile, industry leaders have been tight-lipped about sharing many details about the JH-XX. Thus, many question whether JH-XX is a real program or just a figment of the military’s imagination.

As with any military project shrouded in secrecy, the truth about the JH-XX remains unknown. Time will tell whether this mysterious bomber will take to the skies or remain a tantalizing mystery in the annals of military aviation.

However, China’s military development should never be underestimated.

They innovated and worked at much higher clips than anyone in the West cares to admit. If Beijing believes it needs a stealth bomber, then China has the resources and political will to develop this weapons platform in relative secrecy and then unleash it on the world without warning.

Author experience and expertise: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichertnational security of National interests analysta former congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who has contributed to The Washington Times, Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacking: China’s Race to Control Life, and Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, The Disaster We Made: How the West Lost Ukraine, is due out on October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed on Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

All images are Creative Commons or Shutterstock.

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