Source: China National Radio, China Voice
On January 31, the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized maritime and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island and surrounding areas. Huangyan Island is an inherent territory of China. Since January, the theater command has continuously strengthened the patrol and vigilance in the surrounding maritime and air space of Huangyan Island. Publicly available flight route diagrams show that the Southern Theater Command's H-6K bombers and fighter jets formed a formation to fly to the airspace of Huangyan Island and then conducted cruising in the southeast direction.
As an important component of strategic strike forces, the H-6K bomber has always attracted attention. With its outstanding performance and continuously upgraded combat capabilities, the H-6K has become the backbone of the Chinese Air Force. So, how strong is the H-6K, known as the "Sky God"? What is the significance of the release of the H-6K combat patrol route?
The H-6K is an important improved model of the H-6 family and also a new generation of medium-range bomber independently developed by China. Due to improvements in engines, weapons, radar, and other systems, the H-6K can fly further, cover a larger area for strikes, and achieve higher accuracy in targeting.
Military commentator Fu Qianzhao said that after replacing the power unit, the H-6K significantly improved its range and operational radius.
The H-6K has added multiple external hardpoints under its wings, allowing it to carry various advanced weapons. Fu Qianzhao stated that the H-6K's range and bomb-carrying capacity enable it to perform missions over a broader area, whether it is long-range raids or large-area patrols, which are no problem at all.
Fu Qianzhao: The maximum bomb load of the H-6K is more than ten tons, and it can be equipped with six pylon stations under the wings, capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, which greatly enhances the H-6K's long-range attack capability. It can precisely strike enemy targets, especially strategic and campaign-level targets, from outside the enemy's defense area. It can also carry supersonic or hypersonic ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, further enhancing its penetration and assault capabilities.
In addition, improvements in avionics and fire control systems have given the H-6K a significant advantage. It is equipped with an advanced digital cockpit and information data link system, enabling pilots to more conveniently and accurately obtain information and operate the aircraft. At the same time, the powerful airborne radar provides the H-6K with the ability to strike cruise missiles from beyond the enemy's defensive area, allowing precise strikes on targets at long distances.
Fu Qianzhao: The H-6K also carries an infrared electro-optical sensor under the nose. In nighttime or other complex conditions, it can detect distant enemy targets. It not only can detect ground equipment but also can see enemy ships on the sea surface or other military targets.
Public information shows that recently, the Philippines has set up a military exercise area, including Huangyan Island within its control scope, covering our territorial waters and airspace, seriously infringing upon China's territorial sovereignty and marine rights and interests. Yang Xiao, researcher from the Institute of Oceanic Strategy of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, stated that the Southern Theater Command organizing H-6K and other aircraft to cross the area designated by the Philippines reflects China's actual jurisdiction over the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island, and the Philippine-established exercise zone is illegal and invalid.
Supervisor: Wu Zhehua, Chai Hua
Reporter: Yang Kai, Ma Jingyu
Original article: toutiao.com/article/7601800715652039177/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.