New H-6N strategic missile carrier spotted in China

The new Xian H-6N anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) carrier with a nose-mounted inflight refueling probe was spotted in China.

The new H-6N aircraft is a special naval version of the H-6K strategic bomber. The H-6N can carry the special version of DF-21 anti-ship ballistic missile externally underneath the fuselage.

The H-6N with ASBM is intended to provide a capability to attack a moving aircraft carrier strike group or land-based mobile launchers from a long-range distance. The ASBM is thought to employ maneuverable reentry vehicles with a terminal guidance system.

The H-6N is expected to be supported by the newly acquired IL-78 tanker due to its large fuel capacity.