China tests advanced missile similar to one likely used by Israel on Iran

The footage of the ALBM being released from the bomber was part of an official PLA video

A newly released People's Liberation Army (PLA) video recently, showing a Chinese H-6K bomber aircraft testing a new air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), a system similar to the Russian Kinzhal missile used in Ukraine and perhaps even to the weapon Israel used in last month's retaliation against Iran.

The development was first reported by The War Zone, an online defence news portal, which described the Chinese ALBM as being part of the country's arsenal of anti-access/area-denial systems. According to the report, the shadowy missile was at one time considered to be an anti-ship weapon -- an assessment that might need to be revisited.

The footage of the ALBM being released from the bomber was part of an official PLA video, which was demonstrating the capabilities of the H-6K, a modernised version of the H-6 bomber, which in turn is a Chinese derivative of the Soviet-era Tu-16 Badger heavy bomber. In the video, the missile can be seen being released from a pylon under the bomber's wing.

While the H-6 has a range of almost 6,000 kilometres (km), the H-6K's more efficient engines mean it could fly significantly further.

Details about the new Chinese ALBM are scarce, but The War Zone reports that it is similar to or belongs to the family of a missile that was displayed at the 2022 Airshow China in Zhuhai.