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Chinese bombers, fighter jets in new year military drills appear to have boosted combat capacity

  • J-20 stealth fighter and long-range H-6 bomber pilots tested as difficulty level stepped up in traditional new year drills, state media reports
  • Intense training not enough, military researcher warns, calling for improved combat ability ‘in a complex electromagnetic environment’

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The nuclear-capable H-6K  strategic bomber is designed for long-range and stand-off attacks and seen as capable of striking US carrier battle groups. Photo: Military News Agency
Recent drills by China’s advanced J-20 stealth fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers highlighted the air force’s improved operational combat abilities, according to state media reports.
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The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern and Southern theatre commands carried out their first flight training of the new year last week, as the Chinese military continues training and equipment upgrades under its swift modernisation drive.

An Eastern Theatre Command brigade deployed several J-20 fighters for simulated strike operations, state broadcaster CCTV reported last Sunday.

“In the first flight training of the new year, we deliberately increased the difficulty level to boost the pilots’ technical and tactical skills, which can shore up their confidence and abilities in future battles,” Qing Sheng, the deputy brigade commander, told CCTV.

In a separate drill, a bomber division of the Southern Theatre Command deployed multiple H-6K bombers and conducted simulated attack exercises, military newspaper The PLA Daily reported.

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