Preparing For Conflict? China's New Bomber Practices Island Bombing, Mine-Laying In South China Sea

China's new and advanced H-6J bombers conducted a live-fire drill in the South China Sea last week where they carried out island-bombing and mine-laying exercises. The drill reportedly displayed the aircraft's bombing capability and standoff strike competence.

The modified versions of PLA's H-6K bombers, the H-6J formed aerial formations and reached the designated area under harsh weather conditions. They then laid the sea mines before dropping the bombs that hit the targets on islands and reefs, reported Defense Post.

The report, quoting the Chinese-state-backed Global Times, said the drill involved the real-time use of high-explosive aerial bombs and sea bottom mines.

After the first wave of bombing, the aircraft returned to the base, received thorough checks before being resupplied with munitions and fuel. They took off shortly for another air raid.

The bombers also carried YJ-12 anti-ship missiles under their wings in addition to bombs and sea mines in their belly. "We have effectively tested the accuracy and reliability of both types of munitions. For the next step, we will pursue innovations in tactics and approaches with the realistic situation of the enemies taken into consideration, and make breakthroughs in using new types of weapons and equipment," Zhang Yanjie, a deputy commander of the regiment, said in the report.

The Global Times also quoted Chinese analysts who said such drills in the disputed waterway serve as a "deterrent" at a time when "foreign forces and Taiwan secessionists are making provocations."

The drill comes as China continues its belligerence in the South China Sea by sending airplanes to breach Taiwan's air defense zone.

Two days ago, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Chinese military flights near Taiwan look like "rehearsals." He, however, did not indicate that he expected Beijing actually to carry out such operations. "I don't want to speculate, but certainly ... it looks a lot like rehearsals," Austin said while speaking at a conference in California.

Last month, the Chinese military had conducted assault training and combat readiness with a series of night bombing drills in waters off the southern island of Hainan.

Dozens of H-6J bombers had carried out patrols to improve the crews’ stamina and situational awareness at night. The "high intensity" exercise saw H-6J bombers practicing fending off ship and ground attacks as well as firing tactics. The PLA had then said the drill laid a solid foundation for fighting night battles.