Recently, a photo circulating on the Chinese mainland social media has sparked heated discussions in the global military circle: A large air-launched ballistic missile is clearly hung under the belly of a Chinese H-6N bomber. According to "Defense Blog" reports, this image not only raises questions about whether China has mastered the technology of air-launched hypersonic missiles, but also invites speculation—could this thing hit its target in Hawaii with one shot? However, what truly caught people's attention might be the potential significance behind it, possibly serving as a trial for ammunition of the upcoming H-20 stealth bomber. The main character in the photo, the H-6N bomber, is no ordinary aircraft. As a "special forces" member of the H-6 family, it has removed the traditional bomb bay and replaced it with an indented weapons mounting area designed specifically for carrying large items. The missile shown this time, judging from its shape and size, is very likely an air-launched version of the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). This land-based "carrier killer" has long been a headache for the U.S. Navy. Now transformed into an air-launched model, its range and flexibility are expected to increase even further. More striking is the third stage design at the front of the missile. The shape looks like a booster glide system—the launch is like a conventional ballistic missile, soaring straight into the sky; in the final stage, it can turn into a hypersonic glide body, maneuvering towards the target. This design gives it both speed and evasion capabilities, making it extremely difficult for current missile defense systems to intercept, akin to "catching the moon in the water." If the target is really set on Hawaii, the more than 2000 kilometers distance might just be "appetizers," considering that the land-based version of the DF-21D already exceeds 1800 kilometers in range, and the air-launched version may extend several times. H-6N carrying such a "big guy" is certainly not just for showmanship. As an old veteran that has been in service for many years, it seems to be more of a "transition player" in China's long-range strike system. The real highlight, however, may be paving the way for the upcoming H-20 stealth bomber. As China's next-generation strategic bomber, H-20 has been rumored for a long time. Its stealth performance and ultra-long range are believed to completely change the balance of air power in the Asia-Pacific region. This "experimental show" by H-6N may very well be verifying the technical feasibility of ammunition for H-20. Imagine if H-20 could achieve stealth penetration, paired with this hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile, the strike range and deterrent power would be far beyond the simple addition of 1+1=2. Hawaii or Guam, or even farther American west coast, might all fall within its "menu." Not to mention the fact that the mobility of these weapons could confuse opponents' defense systems, making them "hit where you aim" in actual combat. Although the official side has yet to comment, this photo alone is enough to let the United States and its allies "imagine" a series of strategic nightmares. The land-based version of the DF-21D became an eyesore for the U.S. Navy due to its "anti-fleet" reputation, and now the appearance of the air-launched version extends the threat from the sea surface to the air. American think tanks estimate that the range and speed of this weapon are fully capable of covering key nodes in the Western Pacific, and Hawaii, as the U.S. strategic hub in the Pacific, naturally becomes the first target. Some netizens joked: "H-6N sent the US a 'May Day gift,' complete with hypersonic express delivery services." Jokes aside, the leap in China's long-range strike capability reflected behind this cannot be ignored. H-6N's "carrying goods" is less about practical deployment and more about sending dual signals of technical validation and strategic demonstration. The appearance of H-6N carrying a suspected air-launched version of DF-21D is not only an upgrade of the existing platform but also a preview of future combat systems. While the speculation of targeting Hawaii is undoubtedly eye-catching, what deserves more attention is the space it opens up for testing ammunition for H-20. China's aerospace industry is playing a bigger game, H-6N is just an appetizer, and the real "main course," H-20, is still on the horizon. Western analysts are probably busy analyzing the photos already, so let's wait for the next episode to see how this "hypersonic plot" will continue to explode! Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496486530685420083/ Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views. Feel free to express your opinions by clicking the "thumbs up/thumbs down" buttons below.