US has B-2 bomber, China has H-6: Where is India's long-range bomber in this strategic race for air dominance?

Time of India

25-06-2025

The recent US airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites using its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber has sparked fresh debate in India's defence circles. As images of the long-range American bomber surfaced following the mission, questions emerged over India's own capability gap in strategic airpower. With no dedicated bomber in service, India continues to rely on multirole fighters to fulfil its air-based nuclear and long-range strike roles — a limitation some experts believe must now be addressed.
A missing piece in India's nuclear triad
India has already established the land and sea legs of its nuclear triad. However, the air-based component remains dependent on fighter aircraft with limited range and payload. Strategic analysts now argue that the absence of a long-range bomber constrains India's deterrence and deep-strike options in a changing security environment.
What strategic bombers do
Strategic bombers are aircraft designed to carry large payloads — including nuclear weapons — across long distances to strike strategic enemy targets. Unlike tactical aircraft used in short-range battles, bombers provide reach, endurance, and visible deterrence.
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Examples include:
B-2 Spirit (USA): A stealth subsonic bomber with a range of over 11,000 km and 18-tonne payload.
Live Events
Tu-160
'Blackjack' (Russia): A supersonic bomber with a 12,300 km range and 40-tonne payload capacity.
China's expanding bomber fleet
China has steadily grown its long-range strike capabilities through the H-6 bomber series, based on the Soviet Tu-16. The latest H-6K variant can carry nuclear cruise missiles with a combat radius of 3,500 km and a payload of 12 tonnes. China reportedly operates over 230 H-6 variants. Its upcoming H-20 bomber is expected to be stealthy, intercontinental, and capable of deep-penetration strikes — a development that could shift the regional balance further.
India's past and current bomber gap
India retired its last bomber, the English Electric Canberra, in 2007. Since then, the country has used fighters for air-launched nuclear and strike missions — platforms not designed for intercontinental operations.
Key limitations of India's fighter fleet include:
Su-30MKI: Range ~3,000 km, payload ~8 tonnes; lacks stealth.
Rafale: Range ~3,700 km, payload 9.5 tonnes; limited numbers.
Mirage 2000H, Tejas Mk1, Jaguar: All fall short in range, payload, and survivability.
India's past bomber considerations
India considered strategic bombers in the past. In 1971, the Soviet Union offered Tu-22 bombers, even painting them in IAF colours, but India declined due to operational challenges. In the 2000s, the
Navy
explored acquiring
Tu-22M
bombers, and more recently, reports in 2022 suggested India was discussing a Tu-160 acquisition from Russia — a claim reportedly confirmed by former Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. There were also unverified reports of interest in the US
B-1B Lancer
.
A retired senior IAF officer noted, 'India would need at least 20 strategic bombers over the next decade to ensure adequate reach and deterrence capability across both western and eastern fronts.'
Arguments for and against bombers
In favour:
Enhances second-strike capability in the nuclear triad.
Reaches deep strategic targets.
Expands maritime strike ability.
Demonstrates visible power during crises.
Counters China's bomber advancements.
Against:
High costs and infrastructure needs.
India's nuclear doctrine favours minimal deterrence.
Competing budget priorities in fighter and transport aircraft procurement.
Missiles can already perform many strategic missions.
Geographic limitations complicate basing and flight paths.
The
US B-2 bomber
's use in Iran has reignited India's debate on whether it should develop or acquire strategic bombers. With China advancing its bomber fleet and regional threats evolving, India must evaluate whether adding a long-range bomber force fits its defence doctrine — or stretches its resources beyond current strategic needs.