Unveiling the H‑20. China's latest bomber sparks global intrigue and scepticism

If we believe Beijing's announcements, we can expect the official presentation of the new Chinese strategic bomber H-20. This elusive machine arouses interest and concern worldwide, but the Pentagon is sceptical about its capabilities.

Chinese weapons—especially those not yet exported—typically remain mysterious. Beijing's propaganda often presents technical data and capabilities that are impossible to verify, and the information repeated by independent sources is frequently speculative.

The situation is no different from that of the H-20 aircraft, whose characteristics are outlined by the American Department of Defense. According to the Pentagon, such an aircraft is believed to be under development. It will likely be a flying wing, have a range of at least 8,500 kilometres, and carry a payload of at least 10,000 kilograms.

The machine's characteristics lead to the belief that the new Beijing bomber will be capable of targeting areas beyond the so-called second island chain, which stretches from Japan through the Marianas with the key base of Guam, to Papua New Guinea.

Is the Chinese aircraft truly the significant threat that some services or analysts depict? According to the Pentagon, not necessarily. Americans like Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach have previously expressed their scepticism towards the alleged capabilities of the Chinese superfighter J-20.

Currently, when asked about the H-20 bomber, they assert that its design, in terms of capabilities, is not only far from the American bomber B-21 but also inferior to the B-2 aircraft. This is noteworthy, considering that the B-2 has been in operation for more than 30 years and still serves as a point of reference for new aircraft.

The Americans' scepticism could stem from more than just propaganda concerns; it might also be attributed to their knowledge of Chinese issues with metallurgy. The Chinese, having copied Russian military aeroplanes or stolen documentation for the F-35 aircraft, have struggled for many years with, among other things, aircraft engines or ship power plants. Decades of experience cannot be easily replicated.