China's H‑20 bomber. A global concern or an overhyped threat?

Chinese weapons, especially those unavailable for export, are often shrouded in mystery. The technical data and capabilities touted by Beijing are typically unverifiable, with independent sources frequently resorting to speculation.

Such is the case with the H-20 bomber, whose specifications have been outlined by the American Department of Defense. The aircraft is acknowledged to be in development and likely to feature a flying wing design, with a minimum range of 5,280 miles and a payload capacity of at least 22,046 pounds.

The new Chinese bomber is expected to be capable of striking targets beyond the "second island chain," which extends from Japan through the Marianas, with the strategic base of Guam, to Papua New Guinea.

The American skepticism might stem from knowledge of China's historical challenges in metallurgy. The Chinese have struggled with issues related to aircraft engines and naval power plants, among other things, as they attempted to emulate Russian military planes or illicitly acquire documentation for the F-35. It appears that decades of expertise cannot be easily appropriated.