China enhances standoff bomber attack capabilities

This infographic compares China's legacy KD-63 air-launched cruise missile with a new variant of the weapon that appeared in an October 2026 video broadcast by state-owned media. (Janes)

Chinese strategic bombers from People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force (PLAAF) units are developing long-range anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) tactics in co-operation with fighters from the PLA Navy (PLAN), according to recent footage aired by state-owned media.

In footage aired on 4 October by China Central Television (CCTV), Xi'an H-6K bombers armed with stand-off missiles were shown operating alongside Shenyang J-15T carrier-borne fighters during what the broadcaster described as a combat-readiness drill.

The footage showed the bombers armed with the KD-21 air-launched anti-ship missile and, crucially, a newer variant of the KD-63 air-launched cruise missile (ALCM).

The baseline KD-63 is a first-generation ALCM developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) for the PLAAF's older H-6H bomber fleet. The missile has an estimated range of about 200 km.

In contrast, the new variant, whose designation remains unclear, features a redesigned nose section and likely incorporates updated avionics and control systems. The missile is also assessed to feature a datalink receiver for mid-course guidance and an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker for terminal homing.

Few details are available about the new missile, which could be derived from the earlier KD-63A/B variants.

While CCTV did not identify the bomber unit, the broadcaster said the air regiment was “integrated into the joint combat system after being equipped with H-6K bombers, and successively executed major exercises and training missions, such as ‘Joint Sword' 2024, ‘Justice Mission' 2025, and China-Russia joint aerial strategic patrols”.

The footage showed the bombers preparing to scramble, with refuelling and avionics checks conducted simultaneously while ground crews accelerated pre-flight preparations.