Thanks to a viral propaganda video circulated a few days ago, several bombing and missile launch exercises by H-6K bombers of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China were observed. The striking aspect of the sequences, which depict the preparation of pilots and crews, is what appears to be the launch of a new class of hypersonic missile by the aircraft. To date, it is known that the People’s Republic of China is extensively developing this type of weaponry, aiming to deny the use and access in various areas of the South China Sea and the Pacific to potential rival powers, such as the United States.
Although the video, just over a minute and a half long, shows the presence of a new missile, the Open Source Information Community (OSINT) experts are debating whether it is a new development by the Chinese Armed Forces or if it is a missile previously presented. The brevity of the clip prevents having more detailed information, but some aspects have become clear, such as the type of missile and its launch platform.
Firstly, the launch platform is an H-6K bomber of the PLAAF, which has found a second and renewed function as a launch system for various types of cruise, anti-ship, and ballistic missiles. The versatility of the platform, originally based on the old Soviet Tu-16 Badger, still shows room for the incorporation of new capabilities and technologies. Specifically, this version is one of the most modern in service, standing out for the inclusion of modern avionics and turbofan engines.
Secondly, regarding the missile, it is undoubtedly a ballistic missile launched from the air using the H-6K as a platform through a specifically designed underwing pylon for this function. This is not the first time such devices have been observed on Chinese bombers, as various specialists speculate that it is the missile presented at the 2022 China Air Show.
On that occasion, an H-6 bomber arrived in Zhuhai carrying one of these missiles under its wings, on which the inscription “2PZD-21” could be seen. Since then, various denominations have appeared under different sources, such as “KD-21” or “YJ-21,” without further details, suggesting it could be a missile that emulates capabilities and design similar to Russia’s Kinzhal from the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Like the Kinzhal, which is based on the Iskander ballistic missile system, the Chinese-origin 2PZD-21s could be based on ground-launched missile systems like the CM-401. Its main function is naval target attack, but its capability to attack land targets has also been recorded, with a terminal velocity ranging from Mach 4 to 6.
Furthermore, and dismissing previous assumptions, another point was made regarding the type and origin of the recently launched missile, being the missile known in the West as “CH-AS-X-13,” observed so far carried on the central section of H-6 bombers with the ability to carry conventional or nuclear warheads. Regardless of the statements, the reality shows that the People’s Liberation Army continues steadily with the development of this type of missile, as well as the proliferation of launch platforms, whether land-based or aerial.
*Photographs: Credits お砂糖wsnbn
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