China Developing A Long-Range Strategic Bomber

Andreas Rupprecht, RCD/Jamestown Foundation: The PLA Air Force’s “Silver-Bullet” Bomber Force

Although China is widely seen in the West as a major future opponent and rival in terms of global economics and political influence, its current force structure and its evolving joint operational doctrine is still largely consistent with a defensive orientation (Defense White Paper, May 25, 2015). However, China’s rising ambitions have led to dramatic reforms in recent years, which mean for the first time in its history, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will shift its focus from primarily territorial air defense to the ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations as well. [1] Most attention has focused on the introduction of new modern multirole combat fighters (J-10B/C, J-15 and J-16) and the development of next generation aircraft (J-20 and FC-31 stealth aircraft, Y-20 indigenous transport aircraft).

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WNU Editor: This is not going to be an easy task. China will have to develop, test, and manufacture ..... while at the same time building a tanker support system to refuel these bombers (and other planes) .... all that I can say is that this is going to take time and resources. But it looks like China have made that commitment, and are now going down this path.