China on High Alert Ahead of US B-21 Bomber Reveal

Northrop to Unveil Radar on December 2... US Air Force Tactical Shift Imminent
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[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] As the unveiling of the United States' next-generation long-range stealth strategic bomber 'B-21 (Raider)' approaches, China is becoming increasingly tense. The B-21 bomber, which will replace the 'B-2 (Spirit)', is expected to be deployed in combat as early as 2025.

Chinese military experts have urged that the deployment of the B-21 bomber will bring changes to U.S. tactics and that Chinese military authorities must prepare accordingly.

The state-run Global Times reported on the 25th that Northrop Grumman, the U.S. manufacturer of the B-21, announced it will reveal the bomber to the general public on December 2 (local time). The outlet stated that the B-21 bomber will become a core force of the U.S. Air Force and that test flights are expected to begin next year.

The most notable feature of the kite-shaped B-21 bomber is its stealth capability. The radar cross-section (RCS) of the B-21 is said to be smaller than the size of a golf ball. Its range is also reported to be around 14,000 km, longer than the B-2's 9,400 km.

The U.S. Air Force plans to retire the B-1B (Lancer) and B-2 after the B-21 is deployed. Additionally, the first-generation B-52 (B-52J or B-52K) will continue to be used for the time being through performance upgrades.

Chinese military aviation expert Pu Qianshao explained, "The U.S. has operated three types of strategic bombers: the first-generation B-52, third-generation B-1B, and fourth-generation B-2, but once the B-21 is deployed, the B-1B and B-2 will be retired."

Chinese military expert Zhang Xuefeng predicted, "The upgraded B-52 without stealth capabilities will be equipped with hypersonic missiles (AGM-183) and assigned missions to attack from outside the defense perimeter, while the stealth-capable B-21 bomber will be armed with relatively inexpensive weapons such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)."

The Global Times cited military experts warning that both the U.S. Air Force's B-21 and B-52 bombers could be aimed at China. It urged the Chinese military to prepare for changes in U.S. tactics. There are concerns that the B-52 bomber could launch hypersonic missiles from outside China's defense perimeter, while the B-21 bomber could penetrate inside China's defense perimeter to bomb Chinese military bases.

It also argued for the necessity of developing the H-20 stealth medium-to-long-range bomber. China currently possesses the H-6 bomber, which is similar to the B-52. It is reported that China is developing the H-20 bomber capable of striking enemies beyond the second island chain (a hypothetical line connecting Guam, Saipan, and the waters near Papua New Guinea).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.