China unveils H-6N bomber with JL-1 nuclear ballistic missile

Chinese state television CCTV broadcast footage of a People’s Liberation Army Air Force H‑6N strategic bomber carrying an air‑launched JL‑1 ballistic missile with nuclear capability. The bomber was shown flying in formation with at least two J‑20 stealth fighters, which acted as a protective shield against enemy interceptors.

The display marks the first public exhibition of China’s air‑based nuclear strike capability, complementing the land‑ and sea‑based components of its nuclear triad. The JL‑1 missile was first revealed at a September 2025 military parade, and the H‑6N’s aerial refuelling ability is intended to offset its limited range, while the J‑20 escorts provide advanced defensive coverage in the Indo‑Pacific region.