Video: How Powerful is the H-6J That Can Paralyze an Aircraft Carrier with Just One Hit?

Recently, the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China organized a multi-service, all-element joint exercise in the air and sea around Huangyan Island, its territorial waters, and airspace. During the exercise, bomber formations advanced into the airspace over Huangyan Island, showcasing a complete set of integrated combat actions. What was the H-6J primarily practicing in this joint air-sea exercise? What missiles are hanging under its wings?

What was the H-6J primarily practicing?

Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng: In the four practical combat scenarios, the H-6J participated in at least three:

First, reconnaissance and early warning. The H-6J can conduct reconnaissance on targets using its onboard sensors, which not only meets its own weapon launch requirements but also provides more data support for the system.

Second, deterrent patrol. The H-6J plays an absolute leading role in deterrent patrols, demonstrating China's strong determination to defend its sovereignty and maritime rights.

Third, joint assault. The H-6J can rely on its onboard large anti-ship missiles to conduct strikes on maritime targets. This type of exercise allows it to use its own sensors to gather data, set parameters for missile loading, and conduct simulated launches. Additionally, it can also rely on data provided by the system for target positioning, practicing its combat capabilities for maritime strikes within the system.

Just one hit can incapacitate an aircraft carrier

Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng: The four missiles hanging under the wings of the H-6J are quite large, and based on their appearance, they should be YJ-12 anti-ship missiles. This missile has several characteristics:

First, it has a very strong penetration capability and a very high flight speed, capable of reaching at least 3.5 Mach.

Second, it has a very long range, able to reach at least four to five hundred kilometers, which means our launch platform can strike the opponent from outside their air defense system's range.

Third, it has a very powerful impact; just one hit can effectively incapacitate a large surface warship of the opponent, and it can even be called a "carrier killer."

Precise positioning of the opponent's radar for silent attacks

Under the external wing of the H-6J, there is an electronic pod. What are the main functions of this electronic pod?

Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng: It can very accurately locate the opponent's radar, and its reliability is very high. It can enhance the situational awareness capability of the platform itself and also strengthen the situational awareness capability of the entire system. Most importantly, it can provide target designation for the large anti-ship missiles it carries. The directional capabilities of these two electronic pods are very accurate, allowing for silent attacks without turning on the radar, thus enhancing the surprise and concealment of the strike.

Striking distant targets with stronger independent combat capability

The H-6J is an improved version of the H-6K, modified based on the needs of maritime operations. What specific changes have been made?

Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng: There have been no major structural changes to the airframe; the main improvements are in the mission systems. First, the anti-ship combat capability has been increased. Second, the situational awareness capability has been enhanced, as anti-ship missiles often use radar guidance in the terminal phase. To provide target designation for the anti-ship missiles, it has some special reconnaissance means, such as an improved nose radar and an infrared turret for reconnaissance. More importantly, there are electronic reconnaissance pods mounted on the outermost sides of the wings. Of course, there are also some minor improvements, such as enhancements to corrosion resistance.

What advantages will these adjustments and improvements give the H-6J in maritime operations?

Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng: If the previous H-6K relied more on external system intelligence support, then the H-6J has a stronger independent combat capability when striking distant targets, and it also has a stronger detection capability for maritime targets.