This nuclear-capable aircraft has attracted world headlines in recent weeks after appearing in the skies above contested waters such as Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
But the H-6K, while representing a major leap forward for China's nuclear and conventional cruise missile strike capability, is actually based on the 1950s Russian Tu-16 'Badger'.
It also uses Russian supplied engines.
While built with modern avionics, sensors and equipment, the airframe's aerodynamics are not at all stealthy or efficient by modern standards.
But, like the United States' antiquidated B-52 'Stratofortress' bombers, it is more than capable of lugging large cruise missiles - such as the DH-20 land-attack weapon - across large distances.
With this cruise missile, the H-6K is already capable of attacking targets in Australia.
Any new bomber, be it in the league of the United States 1980s swing-wing B-2 "Lancer" or 1990s super-stealth B-1 "Spirit", would represent a significant improvement in capability.
Earlier this year, the United States awarded a contract to develop a new, cheaper stealth bomber to Boeing.
China's annoucement comes amid new scandal relating to the F-35 strike fighter, the United States (and Australia's) next generation multi-role combat aircraft.
Late last week a top Pentagon weapon's tester stated the 10-year-late, trillion-dollar project was 'on a path toward failing to deliver'.
Michael Gilmore said the fighter remains at 'substantial risk' of not being combat capable - using its full range of sensors, weapons and advanced integration systems.
This presents a particular problem to the F-35 as it is relatively slow and unmanouvrable compared to other combat jets, instead relying entirely on its advanced computers and steath to deliver its limited payload accurately.
New B-2 Stealth Bomber Air-to-Air footage
