(VIDEO) Did China’s Xian H-20 Stealth Bomber Conducts Maiden Flight Recently ??
Recently, several images and videos have circulated on Chinese social media, allegedly showing the maiden flight of the country’s stealth bomber, the Xian H-20.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Recently, several images and videos have circulated on Chinese social media, allegedly showing the maiden flight of the country’s stealth bomber, the Xian H-20.
If confirmed, this inaugural flight of China’s H-20 stealth bomber comes just weeks after the maiden flights of two of the nation’s sixth-generation combat aircraft, marking a period of significant activity in China’s aerospace sector.
The exact location and date of the H-20’s maiden flight remain unverified, and Beijing authorities have not issued any official statements regarding the images and videos claiming to feature the bomber.
The U.S. Department of Defense had previously projected that China’s stealth bomber would not make its first flight until around 2030.
If the aircraft is indeed the H-20, this suggests China is advancing its bomber development much faster than the Pentagon anticipated.
Should it be confirmed that the H-20 has successfully completed its first flight, accompanied by J-16 fighter jets, it would represent the second major surprise for the United States in a matter of weeks—following the recent maiden flights of China’s two sixth-generation fighter jets.
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According to Chinese defense analysts, the H-20 stealth bomber is capable of flying over 10,000 km, with its range extending even further with aerial refueling.
This capability allows it to reach any global “hotspot.”
“With aerial refueling, China’s H-20 stealth bomber could ‘cover the globe,’” the Pentagon noted.
The aircraft is reportedly designed to carry both nuclear and conventional weaponry, including land-attack and maritime-strike missiles.
The H-20 is also believed to feature a flying-wing design, similar to the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 bomber, enhancing its stealth capabilities.
Since its announcement in 2016, the H-20 program has progressed rapidly.
In March 2024, Chinese Air Force Deputy Commander Wang Wei hinted that the bomber would be officially unveiled soon.
Strategically, the H-20’s introduction significantly expands Beijing’s strike capabilities beyond the Second Island Chain, enabling it to target key U.S. military bases in the Indo-Pacific, such as those in Guam and Hawaii.
The Second Island Chain refers to a strategic network of islands in the Western Pacific, stretching from Japan’s Bonin Islands through the Mariana Islands (including Guam) to the Caroline Islands in Micronesia.
It is a critical element in geopolitical and military strategies, particularly in controlling maritime access and projecting power in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Second Island Chain plays a vital role in the maritime defense and security strategies of major powers like the United States and China. — DSA
