US Military Intelligence Organisation “Defence Intelligence Agency” (DIA) released “China Military Power, report. A product that examines the core capabilities of China’s military. The work provides details on China’s defence and military goals, strategy, plans, and intentions.

US is expecting to face new Chinese another stealth fighter within next years. US intelligence is trying to solve Chinese official announcements and the unofficial revelations, the denials and the absence of comments to get a precise idea of the new Chinese military capabilities.

US is aware that Beijing is developing a hypersonic weapon (the Wu-14), that it is particularly active on the market for MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones.  In addition, Beijing has focused on the development of cyber and space capabilities (satellites, anti-satellite weapons, etc.) as well as on its naval forces, making progress in the submarine field.

In some areas, China seems to be getting ahead, as suggested by the case of electro-magnetic weapons. But that still requires confirmation.

Chinese air capabilities are also considered. Despite deficiencies in engine design, China has already developed two so-called 5th generation stealth fighter planes Chengdu J-20, and Shenyang FC -31.

According to the documentation provided by its manufacturer, the J-20 is described as a “heavy stealth fighter”, cut for “air superiority. The DIA report considers that the J-20 and FC-31 are 5th generation aircraft ” are multi-roles “. But this document also believes that China is seeking to develop a stealth fighter-bomber. Only he does not give a lot of details

Thus, there is a mention of this aircraft, which would be under development and designated “Tactical Bomber”, in a table summarizing the main characteristics of airplanes of the air component of the People's Liberation Army. Unsurprisingly, it is also reported the H-XX (or Hong-20 the strategic stealth bomber called to replace the current Xian H-6K, whose design is largely inspired of the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16.

China is developing “new medium and long range stealth bombers to hit regional and global targets. Stealth technology continues to play a key role in the development of these new aircraft, which will likely reach initial operational capability by 2025, “the DIA report said.