US's B‑21 Raider bomber production stirs concerns in China

A Chinese military expert, who preferred anonymity, shared with the Chinese weekly, Global Times, that "despite employing new production technologies, such rapid development might give rise to unforeseen technical glitches, which can only act to delay the project". The expert was referring to the pace of work on the forthcoming American bomber, the B-21 Raider. He further iterated, "this demonstrates the US's obsession with curbing China and preserving their global military dominance".

In November 2023, news surfaced about the maiden flight of the B-21. Shortly thereafter, in January 2024, the US revealed plans of mass producing the machine. According to the Global Times, Chinese analysts consider this an impulsive decision, because production typically commences after the demonstration and prototype stages, which can span over years. Experts also emphasise that "China is not engrossed in a weapons competition with the US, but will enhance its national defence skills for ensuring national security".

Zhang Xuefeng, a Chinese military professional, informed Global Times, that apart from cruise and ballistic missiles, China could potentially reach enemy aerodromes using its bombers, including machines with capabilities akin to the B-21. Although Xuefeng did not name any specific bombers, Chinese media have repeatedly reported that Beijing is developing its own stealth bomber, presumably titled the H-20.

Chinese state media claims that the H-20 bomber is currently being developed and Beijing plans to deploy it within this decade. The design is being fiercely guarded, however, suggestions made by China imply that the H-20 mirrors the American B-21. The Pentagon's "China Military Power Report" of 2018 and 2019 proposed that the H-20 may have a range of 8,500 kilometres.

In a report issued by London's Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, it was suggested that the Chinese bomber could possibly carry a substantial weapon payload of approximately 45 kilometres and fly extensive distances without needing mid-air refuelling. Warrior Maven highlighted that the "well-established and widely-acknowledged Chinese inclination to steal or replicate American weapon designs" is prominently evident with the H-20. The traits listed include a comparable rounded upper fuselage, curved upper air intakes, and essentially, an absence of vertical structures.