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China’s military weapons
ChinaMilitary
Why did a Chinese bomber carry a nuclear-capable missile in an anti-ship exercise?
PLA documentary showcases enough air power in its combination of the Jing Lei-1 on board an H-6N to cover ‘almost the entire Pacific Ocean’
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Liu ZhenandAmber Wangin Beijing
Published: 8:00pm, 5 Aug 2026
The People’s Liberation Army has unveiled the first official footage showing a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile, the Jing Lei-1, mounted on an H-6N bomber in combat-ready status during a joint anti-ship exercise.
The strategic bomber was seen in flight, carrying a massive missile under its belly, in the final episode of the documentary Securing Victory, which has been airing on state broadcaster CCTV as part of the celebrations of the PLA’s 99th anniversary on August 1
While CCTV did not name the missile, its giant size and unique body profile mean it is very likely to be the JL-1, according to military observers
The Jing Lei-1 – or “startling thunder” – is regarded as the final piece of China’s nuclear triad, providing its strategic bombers with a long-range air-based deterrent capability.
The JL-1 made its first public appearance during a military parade in September, which showcased the PLA’s latest weaponry.
Apart from some earlier sighting photos circulated online, Tuesday’s episode of the documentary was the first official confirmation of the missile being loaded onto a bomber
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