Over the past few years, China has also been rapidly improving its military capabilities by acquiring next-generation weapons systems.
Modernized fighter jets, warships, long-range missiles, and strategic bombers are just a small sample of the many advanced defense items that China has rapidly developed to project its power regionally and globally. China is focusing on high-tech weaponry to improve its strike capability and strategic reach, as demonstrated by the JL-1 model of air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) revealed at the recent Victory Day parade.
How quickly can the JL-1 strike enemy targets? What is the maximum range of the JL-1 missile?
China has shown the world that its military power is not only in its land and sea activities. In the most recent Victory Day parade in Beijing, the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) made its debut. It is designed to be launched from the air and strike a target within minutes without warning. With an estimated range of 3,000-4,000 kilometers, the H-6N bomber, which carries the missile, was first introduced at the 2019 parade.
Why is the JL-1 considered a game-changer in military strategy?
The JL-1 was made specifically to arm China’s H-6N strategic bomber. Equipped with the JL-1 missile, the H-6N can achieve strike capabilities that extend deeper into enemy territory while airborne, eliminating the need to penetrate enemy airspace. When comparing the JL-1 to traditional counterstrike models that rely on gravity bombs, the missile represents an alternative that is both more lethal and more secure, thereby increasing China’s long-range strike capability.
How does the JL-1 compare to traditional gravity bombs?
An important aspect of the H-6N bomber is its aerial refueling capability to offer operational range extending to nearly 5,000 kilometers. This aids the aircraft in staying in the air longer, attacking more distant targets, while operating well beyond China’s border.
Which bomber carries the JL-1 missile?
The JL-1 has become an essential component of China’s nuclear triad-allowing Beijing to be able to strike from land, sea, and air. With this missile, China now possesses an advantage that the U.S. and Russia have enjoyed for decades. The JL-1 strikes targets at vast distances but was also designed to penetrate enemy defense systems, as per a News18 Hindi report.
The biggest advantage is the capability of being able to launch the attack from the air at virtually any location. This allows China to conduct strikes while the bombers are protected from a safe distance, simplifying nuclear attacks without being detected by the opposition.
In addition, the JL-1 will reinforce China’s “second-strike capability”. In other words, even if an adversary succeeds in negating China’s first strike, weapons like the JL-1 will permit Beijing to retain the ability to deliver a decisive retaliatory strike.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- The JL-1 was made specifically to arm China’s H-6N strategic bomber.
- The biggest advantage is the capability of being able to launch the attack from the air.
- The JL-1 will reinforce China’s “second-strike capability”.
- The JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) made its debut.
Recently, China has been persistently upgrading its missile capabilities. With submarine-launched missiles such as the JL-3, and intercontinental missiles like the DF-61, along with the JL-1, which has added lethality to China’s nuclear arsenal.