The H-6K, first flying on 5 January 2007, entered service in October 2009 during the celebrations of the
60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, and is claimed to give China its first proper
strategic bomber. With a reinforced structure making use of
composite materials, enlarged engine inlets for
Russian NPO Saturn D-30KP-2 turbofan engines giving a claimed combat radius of 3,500 kilometres (2,200 mi), a
glass cockpit with large size LCD multi-function display, and a reworked nose section eliminating the glazed navigator's station in favour of a more powerful
radar, the H-6K is a significantly more modern aircraft than earlier versions. The bomb bay has been replaced by extra
fuel capacity, and six underwing pylons for
CJ-10A cruise missiles are fitted. The rear 23mm guns and gunner position are replaced by electronic components.
In January 2009, it was reported that an indigenous turbofan engine, the
WS-18, was under development for use in the H-6K.