February 3, 2022
4 mins read

China’s new stealth bomber unlikely to breach US island defences

The first island chain — a part of the three-island chain strategy — was activated after World War-II to keep China boxed in, and prevent Beijing from using military force far beyond the mainland..writes ATUL ANEJA

China could unveil its H-20 stealth bomber by November this year — a move, which when fitted into the big picture, could message the United States that its era of dominance of the Pacific is receding fast.

But the Chinese conclusions could be premature as the United States is working on its B-21 stealth bomber, the ultimate in stealth technology, which could assuredly counter whatever gains the Chinese may make in their capacity to target US assets in the Indo-Pacific.

Nevertheless, there are two main reasons why the Chinese H-20 project should be taken seriously. First, Beijing’s new bomber is expected to have target range of 8,500 kilometres, according to Pentagon’s “China Military Power Report” of 2019. The bomber’s reach can be further extended, in case it is refuelled in mid-air. If that happens, the plane would be able to fly beyond the first island chain, enabling the bomber to target the Philippines, Japan, Guam and Australia.

The first island chain — a part of the three-island chain strategy — was activated after World War-II to keep China boxed in, and prevent Beijing from using military force far beyond the mainland.

Historically, the emergence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 and the onset of the Cold War, led John Foster Dulles, a former US Secretary of State, to develop the “island chain strategy” of besieging China and the former Soviet Union from the sea. Dulles’s doctrine, aired during the heat of the Korean War in the early fifties, had three layers.

Of the three island chains, the “first island chain” was the most important. The lengthy network starts from Kamchatka peninsula in Russia’s Far East and weaves its way into Japan. Then, from the southernmost part of the Japanese mainland, it passes through Okinawa, a part of a larger Ryukyu Island chain which ends with Taiwan. From Taiwan, the “first island chain” heads towards the Philippines and the island of Borneo, before looping towards the tip of the Malay Peninsula. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the first island chain has begun to increasingly focus on China.

Second, the H-20 supposedly has advanced stealth features. The exterior of the plane does appear stealthy. It appears to have an embedded engine, blended wing body, and absence of vertical structures. Its engine air ducts appear to be woven into the frame underneath the fuselage. All these features make it difficult for radars to pick the plane, while it is engaged in undertaking its strike missions. China is already working on fifth-generation radar.

Yet, despite its advanced features, the H-20 will compare poorly with the B-21 bomber of the United States and even the upgraded B-2 plane.

The stealth features of the B-21 are far more sophisticated than the B-2.

For instance, the B-21 appears to have little or almost no external exhaust pipes, raising the question as to whether it incorporates new thermal management or heat dispersion technologies — a feature that would make it virtually impossible for the B-21 to be radar detectable.

Senior US Air Force leaders have said the platform contains a new generation of stealth technologies and can “hold any target at risk in the world at any time,” says an article in the National Interest. **

The writeup points out that US Air Force officials may have a “high measure of confidence” that the B-21 will be virtually “undetectable”.

The Chinese H-20 even compares poorly with the upgraded B-2 bomber of the United States.

Apparently, the B-2 is now incorporating a Defensive Management System sensor. This is designed to pick up locations of enemy air defence hotspots, allowing the plane to circumvent them.

On the electronic side, the B-2 is being fitted with a new computer sensor, which is a thousand times faster than the one currently in use. Consequently, it can integrate new weapons platforms such as the modern, upgraded B-61 Mod12 nuclear bomb, says the National Interest report. Both the B-2 and the B-21 can fire long-range nuclear and conventional cruise missiles, such as the US Air Force’s emerging Long-Range Standoff Weapon.

Both the B-2 and B-21 are built around an “open architecture,” which would allow multiple upgrades during their life-cycle.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Partnership ‘wrong term’ for Pak-China ties: US

Previous Story

Report claims China lost 42 soldiers in Galwan Valley clash

Next Story

Guinea-Bissau confirms 11 people dead after failed coup attempt

Latest from -Top News

Hurricane Melissa leaves Caribbean in chaos

Hurricane Melissa leaves a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, claiming lives, wiping out homes, crippling infrastructure and triggering urgent global relief efforts amid rising humanitarian needs…reports Asian Lite News The Caribbean

Sharjah sets sail for London

At World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, Sharjah is set to highlight both its deep-rooted cultural identity and forward-looking tourism strategy, demonstrating the emirate’s growing influence in global travel and destination marketing…reports

DP World to pump $5bn into India

DP World’s $5bn pledge strengthens India’s maritime future, powering green shipping, ship-repair capacity, talent growth and next-gen freight tech while deepening the nation’s global trade role…reports Asian Lite News DP World has

UAE mega-aid ship docks in Egypt

The shipment, one of the largest single consignments dispatched as part of the UAE’s air and sea bridge, includes essential food items…reports Asian Lite News A UAE humanitarian vessel carrying more than

Arab bloc hails UAE’s efforts in Gaza

Arab Parliament lauds UAE’s major aid efforts in Gaza and urges unified global backing for reconstruction, Palestinian statehood and a lasting peace grounded in the Two-State framework…reports Asian Lite News The Speaker
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Biden’s 2024 campaign in risk of losing corporate funding

Biden’s tight alliance with organised labour has unnerved some of

UAE, China to expand strategic ties

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the Premier Li Qiang