Overview

• Reports describe the JL-1 as nuclear-capable and carried by the H-6N strategic bomber.
• Media accounts cite a strike range of roughly 3,000–4,000 km, with reach potentially near 5,000 km when the bomber refuels in flight.
• Launching from the air allows standoff attacks without the bomber entering hostile airspace, complicating detection and interception, according to analysts.
• The public debut adds an air leg to China’s deterrent alongside systems such as the JL-3 SLBM and DF-61 ICBM, placing it closer to U.S. and Russian triad capabilities.
• The H-6N platform appeared in 2019, but this parade marked the first official showcasing of the JL-1, with detailed specifications yet to be independently verified.