The Bottom Line Upfront

China's new long-range bomber, the Xi'an H-20, is nowhere near as advanced as the United States B-21 stealth bomber, according to a US intelligence official. The official cited engineering design challenges faced by China and questioned whether the H-20 can deliver the necessary capability and quantity.

The Breakdown

  • The comparison between China's H-20 and the US B-21 highlights the ongoing competition and technological advancements in military aircraft development. It underscores the US's confidence in its capabilities and raises questions about China's progress in this field.
  • The US intelligence official's assessment of China's new stealth bomber suggests that the US remains ahead in terms of advanced low observable platforms. While China has announced the imminent unveiling of the H-20, doubts persist regarding its performance and operational proficiency.