Chinese Bombers Armed with Hypersonic Missiles Flew Near Japan

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly flew bombers armed with hypersonic missiles over the Miyako Strait, which separates the Japanese islands of Miyako and Okinawa.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense of Japan recorded the Chinese bombers’ flight on June 23. A day earlier, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi expressed concern regarding Chinese and Russian warships, at least 16 in number sailing close to Japan, Interfax reported citing South China Morning Post.

Two Chinese H-6J bombers belonged to the PLA Navy, and the third, an H-6K, belonged to the PLA Air Force. The H-6Js carried eight YJ-12 missiles, and the H-6K bomber carried electronic warfare equipment to jam enemy radars.

YJ-12 missiles are considered the most powerful Chinese anti-ship missiles, which can be launched from land, sea and air, and their range is over 400 km. Earlier, Taiwanese media reported that these missiles are more effective than air defense systems on U.S. aircraft carriers.